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Bidwell Mansion State Historic ParkIn te rp re ta t ion Master P lan

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park

Interpretation Master Plan© 2014 California State Parks

All images used in this publication are property of California State Parks, Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.

This publication is available in alternate formats by contacting Northern Buttes District (530) 538-2200

Northern Buttes DistrictCalifornia State ParksState of California

i Bidwell Mansion state Historic Park interPretation Master Plan

That Bidwell was not the only man to strike roots and grow high and broad in the mighty work goes without

saying; but he has always been in sight as a patriarch of the old style, steadfast upright, towering in massive gandeur of character amid his fellow pioneers like a

Sequoia amid its companion firs and pines. And so I think his name will stand in history - a benevolent master builder -

t h e Wa s h i n g t o n o f C a l i f o r n i a .

- John Muir to Marcus Benjamin, 1905

ii Bidwell Mansion state Historic Park interPretation Master Plan

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments IV

Executive Summary VI

1 Introduction 1

Park Overview 1

Plan Purpose 3

Planning Process 3

Planning Team 4

Park Planning History 4

2 Park Resources 8

InterpretiveSignificance8

Natural Resources 9

Historical Sketch and Cultural Resources 14

Recreation Resources 21

Research Resources 23

3 Current Status of Interpretation 26

Interpretive Readiness 26

Interpretive Services-Personal 27

Interpretive Services-Non Personal 31

Collections 36

Marketing 39

4 Park Support 40

Community Involvement 40

Partnership and Support 41

Other Interpretive Providers 43

iii Bidwell Mansion state Historic Park interPretation Master Plan

5 Visitation and Visitor Use 52

Visitation Data 52

Visitor Access and Orientation 52

VisitorProfile54

6 Summary of Analysis 58

7 Interpretive Direction 60

Mission, Purpose, and Vision Statements 60

Interpretive Goals and Guidelines 61

Interpretive Themes and Periods 61

Educational Framework and Standards 63

8 Recommendations 64

9 Interpretation Action Plan 74

Appendix

Appendix A: Selected Bibliography 98

Appendix B: California Academic Content Standards 100

Appendix C: Scope of Collections Statement 104

Appendix D: Visitor Survey Summary 112

Appendix E: Historic-Era Ornamental Plantings 118

Appendix F: Historic-Era Agricultural Plantings 122

Appendix G: Tree Inventory, 1982 124

iv Bidwell Mansion state Historic Park interPretation Master Plan

Acknowledgements

The creation of an Interpretation Master Plan (IMP) for Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park (BMSHP) has been an objective of the Northern Buttes District for many years.

This plan could not have been accomplished without the support of Eduardo (Eddie) Guaracha, District Superintendent. It also would not have been possible without the participation of many groups and individuals, both inside and outside the Department.

First we would like to acknowledge Denise Rist, Valley Sector Superintendent I (retired), who had the foresight and dedication to write the proposal that allowed the IMP to be funded with Proposition 84 bonds. This document could not have been produced without that funding.

The multi-talented staff at BMSHP dedicated themselves to the research and production of the IMP, working diligently over the course of a year. They include: Raeann Bossarte, Interpreter I; Erica Martin, Park Interpretive Specialist; Blair Pubols, Park Interpretive Specialist; Michael Rosen-Molina, Park Interpretive Specialist; Leana Thompson, Park Interpretive Specialist; and Sondra Murphy, Park Aid. Gretchen Vandewalle, interpretive volunteer, dedicated many hours participating with the planning team and provided the valuable perspective of a volunteer to the discussion. Zachary Stark, Park Interpretive Specialist, helped with reviewing the document.

Jim Dempsey, Northern Buttes District Environmental Scientist, assisted with the information found in the Natural Resources section. Wes Dempsey, CSUC professor emeritus of biology, also assisted in this area and helped greatly in clarifying the history of the various tree labels throughout the park.

Drafting an IMP is a community effort and could not have been accomplished without the continued encouragement, support, and participation of the Bidwell Mansion Association (BMA). Their long relationship with the park, understanding of our programs, and involvement in our meetings made them an integral part in the creation of this document.

The Bidwell Mansion Community Project (BMCP) also provided input throughout the drafting process. Their members’ attendance at both community meetings and their pertinent feedback helped make this a comprehensive approach to interpretation.

A special “thank you” is given to the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, whose council and elders reviewed and commented on the Cultural Resources section of the IMP. The Mechoopda connection is crucial to the history of the BMSHP and the IMP outlines a desire to increase our interpretation of their history.

BMSHP is uniquely situated close to California State University, Chico (CSUC). The relationship of CSUC staff and students with the Bidwell Mansion staff is of great value to the park. We appreciate the time taken by Michael Magliari and Keith Johnson in participating in the review of the document and providing vital feedback. Students from CSUC participated in our second community meeting, and their ideas and perspectives were greatly valued.

v Bidwell Mansion state Historic Park interPretation Master Plan

Danny Keys gave us valuable insight and constructive suggestions regarding more effective and diverse interpretation for persons with disabilities. His offer to help us and examine our interpretation is much appreciated.

TheIMPhasalsobenefittedfromawiderangeofpersonalsupportandfeedbackfrommembers of the community. Individuals helped in a variety of ways – from attending our stakeholder meetings, to offering a helpful suggestion or two, to reading over the entire draft and sending it back with comments and suggestions. Thank you, to the wonderful community members who took time to assist us in this process.

Bidwell Mansion ca. 1872.

vi Bidwell Mansion state Historic Park interPretation Master Plan

Executive Summary

Agency

State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation, Northern Buttes District, Valley Sector, Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.

Project Title

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Interpretation Master Plan

Project Description

The Interpretation Master Plan (IMP) is developed through the teamwork of California State Parks’ staff, management, resource specialists, and stakeholders. The IMP serves as a long-term blueprint for interpretation and education within the park unit. The IMP buildsonpreviousplanningdocuments,anddefinesthegoals,objectives,andstrategiesthat provide a comprehensive interpretive vision for the park.

Planning Process

The Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Interpretation Master Plan was produced with Proposition 84 bond funds allocated in May 2013. Over the course of the following year, the planning team assembled interpretive materials, conducted research, met with subjectmatterexperts,definedthepark’ssignificantresources,surveyedvisitors,andconducted stakeholder workshops. Next they described and analyzed the current status of interpretation at the park. All of these pieces were then used together to draft recommendations,create an overall plan, and the Interpretation Action Plan (IAP).

Project Findings

Analysisofthecurrentstatusofinterpretationidentifiedseveralissues.Thereisagreat need for consistency, continuity, improvement, and updating regarding programs, staffing,procedures,andadministrativesystemsinordertoensureinterpretivereadiness. The visitor experience is relatively good, but there is a great deal of room for improvement. Visitor communication, marketing, and orientation especially need improvement. Furthermore, there is a want for more variety in interpretive offerings and improved follow-up opportunities. There are many potential park visitors who go un-servedeveryyear,andtheparkneedstofindwaysofexpandingandincreasingits audience. The mansion can begin meeting these needs by improving organization, updating materials, and taking a more intentional, focused approach to interpretation. Utilization of new technology has a high potential for improving interpretive readiness, both personal and non-personal interpretation, visitor orientation, and visitor follow up.Overall,currentinterpretationissuccessful,butcouldbesignificantlyexpandedand improved by utilizing a greater variety of interpretive platforms and increased interpretation focusing on the park’s secondary themes. Non-personal interpretation is particularly vital in meeting the future needs of the park, and, therefore, requires significantimprovement.

vii Bidwell Mansion state Historic Park interPretation Master Plan

The “Recommendations” section presents solutions for improving, enhancing, and expanding interpretive services and operations at BMSHP. These are stated in the form of Goals, Objectives, Strategies, and Tasks. Together, these elements provide a roadmap that will guide the development of future interpretive programs and services. Department staff, volunteers, and community partners should use this plan as a tool as they work together to achieve BMSHP’s mission and vision of interpretation.

Fivebroadcategoriesandassociatedgoalshavebeenidentified.

Goal 1 – Visitors – The focus of interpretation will remain on visitors and their experience.

Goal 2 – Partnership–BMSHPwillfosterbeneficialandcollaborativerelationshipswithorganizations and with the community at large.

Goal 3 – Operations – BMSHP will put in place structures and procedures that will maintain readiness for interpretation at the park.

Goal 4 – Connection, Inspiration and Stewardship – Interpretation will connect visitors to the park’s important cultural, natural and recreational resources and will foster a sense of inspiration and stewardship.

Goal 5 – Expand and Diversify – BMSHP will offer a variety of interpretive opportunities for a diversity of audiences.

Bidwell Mansion before completion

Bidwell Mansion state Historic Park interPretation Master Planviii

Modern view of Bidwell Mansion in the fall with Ginkgo biloba tree leaves

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TOURSGuided tours are required to see the inside of Bidwell Mansion. A fee is charged for tours. For daily tour schedules or group tour reservations, call (530) 895-6144.

CLIMATESpring is mild and often wet. Summer temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees. Fall and winter days range from the low 40s to the mid-70s. The mansion is climate-controlled.

ACCESSIBLE FEATURESThe mansion has three floors. The first floor is accessible via a sloped exterior ramp. The two upper levels are only accessible by stairs. An open-captioned video is available. Parking, picnic areas, grounds and the Visitor Center are accessible. Call the park at (530) 895-6144 for updates or visit http://access.parks.ca.gov.

PLEASE REMEMBER• Park only in State Park-designated areas.• Tour admission may be paid by cash

or check only. The Visitor Center Museum Store accepts cash, checks and credit cards.

• Only service animals are permitted inside buildings.

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park receives support in part

from a nonprofit organization. For more information, contact Bidwell Mansion Association, PO Box 1303,

Chico, CA 95927 (530) 895-6144

Bidwell Mansion state Historic Park interPretation Master Plan

1 Bidwell Mansion state Historic Park interPretation Master Plan

1 IntroductionPark Overview

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park (BMSHP) exists to memorialize John and Annie

Bidwell for their important contributions to the social, cultural, and economic heritage of California, by making available their historic home and interpreting the world in which they lived. Located roughly ninety miles north of Sacramento in Butte County, BMSHP sits in the heart of the city of Chico on approximately fiveacresoflandadjacenttobothdowntownChico and California State University, Chico.

Bidwell Mansion, the beautiful three-story historic home of John and Annie Bidwell, stands as the park’s primary feature. Completed in 1868, the luxurious mansion would have been one of the most elaborate and modern houses of its time in northern California,reflectingthestatusandinfluenceofthesetwoimportantCalifornians.Today,itrepresentsoneofthefinestexamplesofearlyVictorian-eraarchitecturestillstanding in California. Restored to the 1868-1900 historic period, the mansion is now operated by California State Parks (CSP) as a house museum which stands as a memorial to the legacy of the Bidwells. Other important park features include the many historic trees dotting the grounds, a modern Visitor Center with interpretive displays, and a rebuilt carriage shed housing several original Bidwell vehicles.

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park makes up only a small portion of John Bidwell’s original land holdings. At one time John Bidwell owned over 30,000 adjoining acres of land.1 Annie sold off large sections of the rancho following John’s death in 1900. In 1914 Annie Bidwell donated 24.72 acres, including the mansion, to the College Board of the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America to be used as a co-educational Christian school after her death.2 Soon after Annie’s death in 1918, the Presbyterian Church determined it would not

1 Michael J. Gillis and Michael F. Magliari, John Bidwell & California: The Life & Writings of a Pioneer 1841-1900 (Spokane: Arthur H. Clark Company, 2004), 130.

2 Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Unit History, Various Authors (1980-2001), 1914. The Unit History is a compilation of internal records kept by State Park staff from 1980-2001. It records day-to-day events at the park and staff research into Bidwell related history.

Bidwell Mansion, circa 1890’s.

Bidwell Mansion as it appears today.


be cost effective to establish and upkeep the mansion as a school and in 1922 sold the mansion and 10.21 acres for $10,000 to be used as a dormitory for the then Chico State Teachers College.3

Chico State Teachers College (which became Chico State College in 1936 and then California State University, Chico in 1972) used the mansion as dormitories through 1934. From 1935 until its transfer to California State Parks, the school used the home forclassrooms,offices,andsocialfunctions.Beginningintheearly1950s,civicgroupsstarted a focused lobbying effort for the transfer of the Bidwell Mansion property from Chico State College to the Division of Beaches and Parks. After eleven dedicated years, theBidwellMansionofficiallybecamepartoftheDivisionofBeachesandParks,nowknown as the Department of Parks and Recreation.4 In March 1964, the department classifiedtheunitasBidwellMansionStateHistoricMonumentandhelddedicationceremonies on May 7, 1966. In May 1970 CSP dropped the term “Monument” from generalusageandallhistoricalunits,exceptforHearstSanSimeon,becameclassifiedas State Historic Parks. In 1966 Rancho del Arroyo Chico and the Bidwell Adobe were listed as California Historical Landmark #329, and in 1972 Bidwell Mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.5

Following John Bidwell’s death in 1900, beginning with Annie Bidwell and continuing throughout ownership by the college and CSP, Bidwell Mansion underwent many changes and additions. Originally, CSP used the rear section of the home as well as a post-1900 addition on the north side for visitor orientation, museum displays, bathrooms, and staff areas. These uses transferred to the modern Visitor Center located to the north of the mansion upon its opening in 1993. Renovation of the mansion started in 1997 with the removal of the post-1900 addition. Between 1997 and 2010 the kitchen, dining room, and staff quarters were all restored according to the 1865 Bidwell Mansion blueprints.6

The innovative spirit of the Bidwells permeates California’s cultural landscape, and Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park stands as a tangible link to the history and legacy of these extraordinary individuals. Visitors touring Bidwell Mansion feel connected to the stories of John organizing the Bidwell-Bartleson party to California in 1841,findinggoldontheFeatherRiverin1848,developingthelocalarea,andfallingin love with Annie in the 1860s. Guests walking the grounds are amazed by the historic trees from all over the world and appreciate the many agricultural contributions of John Bidwell. Visitors reading the exhibits in the Visitor Center gain perspective, maybe

3 BMSHP Unit History.4 Instrument of Transfer recorded Vol. 1337, Recorders Office, Butte County, CA, 472.5 Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park General Plan, (1984), 16. 6 BMSHP Unit History.

John and Annie Bidwell.


forthefirsttime,ontheuniquerelationshiptheBidwellsmaintainedwiththelocalMechoopda Maidu tribe. These stories give BMSHP value and meaning, and the park’s interpretive resources act as mediums through which visitors can connect with this important history.

Plan Purpose

The California State Parks Interpretation Master Plan (IMP) is a long-range interpretiveplanthatbuildsonpastplanningdocumentsandprovidesaunified

interpretive vision for the park. It is intended to guide the development and delivery of the interpretive programs and services at BMSHP. The plan will guide the park’s development of interpretive facilities, exhibits, signage, educational programs, and recreational opportunities. This document is intended to be viable for up to twenty years and should be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary.

Currently, CSP staff and volunteers at BMSHP provide various interpretive tours, events, and school programs year round. However, need exists for a more coordinated and encompassing approach, more community involvement and outreach, an expansion of theVolunteersinParks(V.I.P)program,andanupdatingofschoolprogramstobetterfitthe current curriculum standards for California.

Park staff have undertaken the writing of this IMP thanks to the availability of Proposition 84 funds.

Planning Process

The process of drafting the BMSHP Interpretation Master Plan began in May 2013 when Proposition 84 bonds were allocated for funding the project. While producing

the document over the next year, the planning team assembled interpretive materials, conducted research, consulted with subject-matter experts, and solicited community input.ThefirststakeholdermeetingwasheldinAugust2013,andhelpedsetthestageforthebulkofthedraftingprocess.Atthismeeting,thestakeholdergroupidentifiedideas and needs regarding interpretation and education, facility use, special events, community outreach, and revenue generation. Additional information was gathered through a visitor survey, made available from August through November 2013. The team used this information, along with internally conducted research and analysis, to create an initial draft of the document. This preliminary draft was presented to the public at a second stakeholder meeting held in February 2014. Participants at this meeting moved among different stations where they reviewed the plan’s goals, objectives, strategies, and tasks. They wrote down their initial feedback, and were encouraged to take a draft home with them in order to review and provide feedback on the entire document. From this round of feedback, in May 2014 a second draft was completed and released for another round of public review.

The Interpretation Action Plan (IAP) which organizes the tasks under the goals, objectives and strategies has been developed as part of the IMP process. While it is considered a stand-alone document, allowing for easier updating, the IAP is included at the end of this document.


Planning Team

The core of the planning team consisted of BMSHP staff and volunteers including Denise Rist, Valley Sector Superintendent; Raeann Bossarte, Interpreter 1; Blair

Pubols, Park Interpretive Specialist; Erica Martin, Park Interpretive Specialist; Leana Thompson, Park Interpretive Specialist; Michael Rosen-Molina, Park Interpretive Specialist; Sondra Murphy, Park Aid, and Gretchen Vandewalle, interpretive volunteer. Background research and writing was produced in-house due to the education, qualificationsandexperienceofthestaffandvolunteers.Theplanningteamprocessalso included input and communications with the Bidwell Mansion Association board members and other interested individuals. BMSHP maintains a unique relationship with California State University, Chico, which lies adjacent to the park’s western boundary. This proximity has produced many long-standing associations with local and Bidwell Mansion history writers, CSUC professors and staff, and subject-matter experts. The localMechoopdaMaidutribalofficeisafewmilesfromtheparkandconsultationwiththe tribe was essential to writing the cultural section of this document. All of these resources were used to guide the core planning team.

Park Planning History

This IMP builds upon and updates several previous CSP planning documents. Formal planning documents that pertain to interpretation at BMSHP include:

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park General Plan (1984)

The General Plan is the primary management document for each unit in the California StateParksystem,definingapark’sprimarypurposeandestablishingamanagementdirection for its future development and operation. By providing a clear purpose and vision,longandshort-termgoals,andproperguidelines,thegeneralplandefinesthe broadest management framework possible for a unit’s development, on-going management, interpretive programming, and public use.

Pertaining to interpretation, the General Plan states:

“Interpretation will play a major role in presenting the early history of Bidwell’s Rancho Chico, and the people and events associated with the flowofhistoryrelatedtotheunit’spurpose.”

The document goes on to establish resource management policies, primary and secondary themes, and the interpretive period. It also makes interpretive suggestions including recommendations for the restoration of historic structures and the building of a Visitor Center.

The BMSHP General Plan was thirty years old in 2014. While certain aspects remain relevant,theinformationonparkinterpretationneedsupdating,clarification,andexpansion in order to be more useful in the planning of interpretive programs. Certain sections, like the recommendation for a new visitor center, need updating. Changes in visitor expectations, staff resources, technology, and information necessitate an update via an IMP.


Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Interpretive Plan (1974)

This document lays out broad information for the development of interpretive programs and material at BMSHP. It is extremely similar to the interpretive prospectus and appears to have been superseded by it.

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Interpretive Prospectus (1977)

The Interpretive Prospectus is a provisional document that contains the same interpretation information as the General Plan and evaluates existing conditions for interpretation in the park unit. An Interpretive Prospectus may be developed when no approvedGeneralPlanexistsortheapprovedGeneralPlandoesnotcontainsufficientdetail to adequately guide the development of interpretive services for a unit.

Written in 1977, the BMSHP Interpretive Prospectus details the unit’s interpretive time periods, themes, and current and proposed interpretive services. The document’s interpretivematerialrequiresupdating,clarification,andexpansionbasedonchangesin park conditions and interpretive methods.

Interpretive Plan: Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Visitor Center (1990)

This document outlines broad goals and plans for the, then, proposed Visitor Center. This plan discusses possible interpretive themes, proposed media, a suggested exhibit floorplan,possibleartifactstobedisplayed,andresourcematerialrelevanttoeachtheme. While there are distinct variations from this plan, the current Visitor Center stillreflectsitsbroadoutlines.Thisplanandtheinformationinitremainhelpfulandrelevant for future interpretive designs.

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Visitor Center Exhibit Text (1992)

This document takes the proposed themes and broad outline laid out in the Visitor CenterPlanandcreatesspecifictextfortheexhibits.Mostofthesectionswrittenhereappear verbatim in the current Visitor Center Exhibits. Several panels for which text had been written do not exist in the current Visitor Center.

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Historic Landscape Report (2002)

The Historic Landscape Report lays out existing evidence regarding the design of the mansion grounds during the Bidwells’ time and aids in the rehabilitation of the landscape to match this period. This process includes a discussion of historical sources of information regarding the grounds, an inventory of historic trees and plants grown on the property, and recommendations on how to accurately recreate the historic scene.

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Scope of Collections Statements (2013)

The Scope of Collections Statement describes the current status and future plans for long-term management of the park unit’s museum objects. BMSHP recently updated thisdocumenttobetterdefinerelevantinterpretiveperiodsandtypesofmaterialscollected.


Resource Management Plan (n.d.)

Written sometime after the Interpretive Prospectus, the Resource Management Plan definesbroadmanagementguidelinesforrestoration,archeology,naturalresources,interpretation, recreational factors, and operation for the park unit. Pertinent information in this document also exists in both the Interpretive Prospectus and the General Plan.

Related Documents

Other documents relating to the planning, design, and delivery of interpretive services at BMSHP include the following:

All Visitors Welcome: Accessibility in State Park Interpretive Programs and Facilities

Aiming for Excellence

Basic Interpretation Learning System

Department Administrative Manual

Department Operations Manual


This Page Intentionally Left Blank


2 Park ResourcesInterpretive Significance

BidwellMansionStateHistoricPark’ssignificancestretchesbacktothetimeoftheBidwells. Contemporaries recognized and celebrated John and Annie Bidwell, Rancho

Chico, and their impressive home. After their deaths, their legacies continued and public veneration grew. The establishment of BMSHP in 1964 formally acknowledged this public respect for the Bidwells and their important role in California’s history. Since then, BMSHP has preserved the Bidwells’ home and grounds, and has shared their story with tens of thousands of visitors every year.

Today, the historic Bidwell Mansion and surrounding grounds remain the park’s primary features. At its height, John Bidwell’s Rancho del Arroyo Chico stretched over 30,000 acres and witnessed the unfolding of so much of California’s history. BMSHP preserves

the last remnants of this important setting and makes them available to the public. The restored mansion allows visitors to step back in time to the late 19th Century, where they learnthestoriesthatdefineearlyCalifornia. On the grounds, in the presence of historic Bidwell trees, theycanrelax,marvel,andreflectonthe development of California from its natural state, to an agriculture breadbasket,andfinallytoamodernurban living space. BMSHP acts as a stage, on which the story of John and Annie Bidwell can be told.

These stories are the park’s most important resources. While the park features have important intrinsic value, ultimately they serve as mediums through which the public can learn about John and Annie Bidwell. As they can nowhere else, visitors encounter thestoriesoftheseamazingCaliforniafiguresandoftheworldthey lived in and helped shape. It is impossible to tell a complete story of early California without the Bidwells. John Bidwell, in particular, is important for his impact on so much of California’s development. Beginning in 1841, he began his close personal and working relationship with John Sutter, forever tying him to such now historical places including Sutter’s Fort, Fort Ross, and Coloma. For the next sixty years Bidwell became intimately involved in the development of California. It has been noted that “of all the American pioneers who settled in California before the Gold Rush, none enjoyed more subsequent fame and success than

Plat map showing the extent of John Bidwell’s Rancho del Arroyo Chico, 1859.

Citrus fairs are an example of Bidwell’s support of agriculture.


John Bidwell, and none made as great a contribution to the state’s economic, political, and cultural development during the late Nineteenth Century.”1 Simply put, no other figurecanmatchthebreadthandlengthofJohnBidwell’sinfluenceonCalifornia’sgrowth. Annie Bidwell became an important inspiration and partner in these endeavors, aswellasbecominganimportanthistoricalfigureinherownright.Together,theBidwells played a key role in the making of modern California and their legacies remain to this day.

The story of the Bidwells connects to so many different topics and different CSP units. It tells of the opening of California to the United States, the Gold Rush, the establishment of state government, the development of California’s agricultural empire, the fate of California’s Native Americans, and the evolution of culture and society in the region. While many other parks tell these various stories and discuss John and Annie in relation to their particular story, no other park focuses on the Bidwells specificallyandtiesallthestoriestogether.TheBidwellsactasacommonthreadlinking stories of California’s prehistory to the turn of the 20th Century, and no place is better suited to tell that thread than BMSHP. The park honors their legacies, which permeate to the present day, and makes them accessible to the public.

Natural Resources

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park is uniquely situated for natural resource interpretation.Thepark’sproximitytosignificantagriculturalregions,currenton-

site natural features, and the rich history of the Bidwells all provide ample resources and opportunities for interpretation. This section describes the general natural setting of the park, highlights its important features, and explores the many human changes to the immediate environment that have taken place over time.

General Geographic Sketch

BMSHP lies in the northern portion of California’s Great Central Valley. The valley is a great depressionfilledwithsedimentarydepositsofpastgeologictimeandflankedonbothsidesby mountain ranges. The rich soil makes this an incredibly productive area, well watered by numerous rivers and creeks. A Mediterranean climate characterizes the region, with cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. About 30 inches of precipitation falls annually, with the majority of rain coming between November and March. No rain typically falls during the summer months and temperatures can rise to above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

1 Gillis and Magliari, 19.

Rancho Chico stretched to the upper reaches of Iron Canyon, located today in Bidwell Park.


BMSHP sits within the city limits of Chico and the downtown area lies to the immediate south of the unit, across Big Chico Creek. The creek forms the southern boundary of the property and is a primary feature of the park and of the surrounding area. Big Chico CreekoriginatesintheSierraNevadaMountainsnearButteMeadowsandflowsthroughBidwell Park and Chico before emptying into the Sacramento River about six miles westofBMSHP.Theparkunitlieswithinthehistoricfloodplainofthecreek,however,waterdiversionsaboutfivemilesupstreamoftheunitcurrentlydivertheavyflowsintoSycamoreCreekandLindoChannel,removingseriousthreatofflooding.Successivegeologic deposits of sediment from Big Chico Creek created an extensive alluvial fan known as the Chico Fan, on which BMSHP sits. The soil of this unit is alluvial material known as Vina Loam with moderate permeability and little to no hazard of soil erosion. The park rests at an elevation of 59 meters (195 feet) and, except for a portion where Big Chico Creek has deeply bisected the alluvial plain, the topography of the unit maintains a nearly level slope of less than 2%.

The Natural Environment before Contact

For many centuries before the arrival of Euro-Americans in the mid-1800s, the Chico areamaintainedarichvarietyoffloraandfauna.Inthisstate,oakwoodland-savannaand riparian forests characterized the region. Tall grasslands provided food and cover for small fur-bearers, birds, and reptiles. Large expanses of marshes, riverlands, and floodplainsgaverefugetothousandsofmigratingwaterfowlandprovidednestingsitesfor many birds. Large oaks punctuated the landscape, providing food and shelter for larger mammals like elk, pronghorns, and deer. The mild climate in the valley made it an ideal wintering ground for many higher altitude species.

UponseeingtheChicoareaforthefirsttimein1843,John Bidwell provided the following description of the land:

“Hastening on up the valley we struck the trail of the Oregon company on what is now known as Chico Creek, Rancho Chico, and to me one of the loveliest of places. The plains were covered with scattered groves of spreading oaks; there were wild grasses and clover, two, three and four feet high, and most luxuriant. The fertility of the soil was beyond question, and the waters of Chico Creek were clear, cold,andsparkling;themountainswerelovelyandflower-covered,abeautiful scene.”2

The local Native American groups also played an important role in this environment. Indian villagers hunted local fauna, relied on native plants, and intentionally affected thelocalenvironmentfortheirbenefit.Inall,thelocalNativeAmericansactedasarelatively stable and vital part of the local ecosystem.3

2 Ibid., 94-95.3 See “Cultural Resources” for more in depth information on the local Native Americans.

The beautiful waters of Big Chico Creek, circa 1893.


The Natural Environment after the Arrival of Euro Americans

The local landscape irreparably changed following the arrival of Euro-Americans in the 1840s and the subsequent discovery of rich agricultural lands and gold-bearing streams. Since that time, an extensive agricultural system has almost entirely replaced the Sacramento Valley’s native ecosystems, including those of Chico and the surrounding area.Therefore,theBMSHPpropertycanbeviewedasanexampleofanartificiallandscape which has, for the most part, supplanted the original.

The Vina Loam soil in concert with the Mediterranean climate and immediate access to water make the area extremely suitable for agricultural purposes. John Bidwellidentifiedhimselffirstandforemostasafarmer,therefore,thefloraduringtheBidwells’ occupation of the grounds consisted principally of exotic plants, both agricultural and ornamental. Beginning with the establishment of Rancho Chico in 1849, John Bidwell began introducing new agricultural crops to the region. Wheat quickly became the dominant staple grown throughout the

valley and remained so until the turn of the century. However, in contrast to the majorityoffarmsinCalifornia,Bidwellmadediversificationofagricultureaprimaryfeature of Rancho Chico. Among the many crops grown on the ranch, Bidwell introduced new and experimental species such as the Casaba Melon and Egyptian Corn, and also pioneered later staples of California agriculture, including almonds and walnuts. In total, Bidwell grew hundreds of different types of crops, and for nearly six decades Rancho Chico remained one of the most important agricultural operations in California.4

Both the Bidwells also heavily involved themselves in ornamental planting, and the groundsandgardenssurroundingBidwellMansionreflectedtheirloveofnatureandtheir particular environmental philosophy. The Bidwells associated with a unique and particular form of conservation referred to as “environmental reform” or “environmental renovation.” While they believed that nature had intrinsic value and should be protected,theythoughthumaninfluencecouldand should improve nature. The Bidwells, and many others of their time, “dreamed of transformingCalifornia’swheatfieldsandrangelands into a lush, man-made Garden of Edenthatwouldbebothprofitableandbeautiful.This they proposed to accomplish through their enthusiastic promotion of irrigation, horticulture, and aggressive afforestation. Consequently the liberal planting of exotic eucalyptus and other

4 See Appendix E for a partial list of crops, shrubs, and trees planted by Bidwell.

Harvester and crew working on Rancho Chico, circa 1890’s.

Annie posing with hydrangeas next to the mansion, 1916.


decorativetrees,shrubs,andflowersbecamealmostasimportantto[theBidwells]asthe nurturing of his many commercial crops.”5 A foreign observer described the ranch by saying:

“…not even the all-powerful American dollar would be able to bring about the destruction of a favorite oak, an avenue, or a bit of charming scenery. Not only have the natural beauties of the country been preserved, but heaps of gold derived from its productiveness have been expended upon developing and increasing the pleasing appearance of the estate. The property of 25,000 acres is like a group of delightful parks, and one drives for hours in every direction along charming avenues… without ever losing the sense of rural beauty.”6

Together, the Bidwells oversaw the planting of an extensive garden surrounding the mansion, which included hydrangea, verbena, yellow jasmine, lily, rose, as well as numerous other native and introduced plant species.7 They planted specimen trees from around the world throughout the grounds, some of which survive up to the present day. Over the course of the Bidwells’ lifetime, ornamental plantings replaced most of the original native landscape and created a legacy that permeates throughout BMSHP and the city of Chico today.

Thelocalfaunaalsounderwentsignificantchange following the establishment of Rancho Chico. Increased hunting and loss of habitat ledtoasignificantreductioninlocalanimalpopulations and their relative replacement by non-native species. As part of his agricultural endeavors, Bidwell introduced cattle, horses, sheep, and pigs onto the grounds. Some native species did remain in the area, such as salmon andotherfish,birds,rabbits,andsquirrels.Interestingly,severalsourcesconfirmtheexistence of a fenced-in park to the mansion’s rear that contained tame deer.

The Park Today

Following the death of John Bidwell, the grounds surrounding the Bidwell Mansion continued the transition from their original state, to agricultural utilization, and eventually to ornamental and residential use. The expansion of the Chico urban area enveloped Rancho Chico and now only scattered remnants remain. Today, CSP maintains the BMSHP grounds as an urban park. Most of the land is vegetated with specimen trees, including several historic trees dating back to the Bidwells’ time. These include the Ginkgo biloba, southern magnolia, tulip tree, and monkey puzzle tree, which are favorites of guests and staff alike. Several trees have come down since the establishment of BMSHP, either from natural causes or intentionally under

5 Gillis and Magliari, 145. 6 Thomas K. Dow, in Gillis and Magliari, 145. 7 Royston Hanamoto Alley and Abbey, Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park: Historic Landscape Report (2002), 4-8.

Map showing the extensive landscaping surrounding the mansion, including a fenced in deer park.


CSP direction. New trees have been planted to replace those that have fallen or been removed in order to restore the grounds to its historic state.

Shrubs, plants, and trees have also been planted around the mansion in order to replicate the ornamental nature maintained around the home during the Bidwells’ lifetime. Certain aspects, such as the hydrangeas planted around the house, are based on historical sources, while other features, like a rose garden on the south side of the home, are not historic but maintained in the spirit of the Bidwells.

The southern boundary of the unit includes the banks of Big Chico Creek. Thecreekcontinuestoflowyear-round and although this area has gone through extensive ecological changes, some native plants still exist in a narrow riparian zone near the creek. Native and naturalized alien plant species in this zone include oak, alder, cottonwood, maple, willow, sycamore, dogwood, and black walnut. California Black Walnut (Juglans hindsii) is included in the California Native Plant Society’s Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants.8

Elderberry (Sambucus spp.) grows in the riparian zone. It is a protected plant, as it acts as the host plant for the entire lifecycle of the Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus), a federally threatened species.

The urban setting in which BMSHP lies limits wildlife to those species capable of living in close association with civilization; squirrels are the most commonly seen mammal. The riparian vegetation along Big Chico Creek provides an important wildlife habitat, sheltering gray foxes, raccoons, feral cats, shrews, mice, moles, and rats occurring inthiszone.Animallifethatmaybefoundinthecreekincludescrayfish,smallmouthbass,catfish,carp,steelhead,andsalmon.Avarietyofbirdsoccurintheunitincludingwoodpeckers, robins, starlings, house sparrows, scrub jays, hawks, owls, and crows.

The natural world remains an important feature of Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. Today, the park’s natural features act as links to the past, sharing their stories with a modern public. The ornamental plantings, serene creek, and playful wildlife all help to tell the story of a landscape that has undergone an amazing change over the past 150 years. Although the original native setting has been almost entirely replaced, the trees, shrubs, gardens, and wildlife that currently make up the unit testify to the major changes that have shaped the landscape over time. These features, and the stories that tie them together, create a foundation for interpretationatthepark.Theyprovideanopportunityforthepublictomarvel,reflect,beinspired, and forge emotional and intellectual connections between the past and the present landscape.

8 “CNPS Inventory Plant Detail,” last updated February 4, 2013, http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/detail/938.html.

The park retains a variety of original Bidwell plantings, such as the historic Ginkgo Biloba.

http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/detail/938.html


Historical Sketch and Cultural Resources

Native American Period

Thehumaninfluenceintheareadatesbacktoatleast10,000BCEwhentheearliesthumans migrated into the Great Central Valley of California. The oral tradition of

the local Native Americans “does not include a story of migration, but rather makes reference to the beginnings of this world at a place known as Tadoiko, a few miles south of the village. It was here that a raft carrying Kodoyampeh (Earth Maker) and Turtlefirstcameashoreonthesoft,newlycreatedearth.Alargedepressionwasvisiblethere for centuries until leveled for agriculture in the early 20th century.”9

The local Native Americans belong to the Penutian language family and have been furtherclassifiedastheNorthwesternMaidu,10 a subset of the larger Maidu tribal grouping.ThisarbitraryclassificationcamelaterfromAmericanresearchersbasedon relative linguistic and cultural similarities. The Native Americans would not have recognizedthesedistinctionsandidentifiedthemselvesonmuchmorelocalterms.ThelocalIndians,“lack[ed]…anycollectivenameincommonuseforthemselvesasa group or stock.”11 The Northwestern Maidu lived along the lower North, Middle and SouthForksoftheFeatherRiverandalongtheSacramentoRivernearitsconfluencewith Chico Creek. They were bounded to the north by the Yahi, to the east by the Northeastern, or Mountain, Maidu, to the south by the Nisenan, and to the west by the Wintun.12 Within this area there were dozens of village sites that were settled more or less permanently by the Maidu. A village would be occupied for a certain number of years and then abandoned for another site for a time and then sometimes reoccupied later.ThesevillagesformedthebasisofidentificationandaffiliationamongtheIndians.13“Theareaownedbyeachcommunitywasverydefined,anditsexactlimitswere known and marked.”14 For the most part these village communities did not travel much outside of their established territories. “This restriction of travel was in part due to the rugged nature of the ground, and in part to the hostility of the different villages toward each other.”15This was also because each village did not need an extensive area in order to provide for its required subsistence needs.16 “As there was little or no overlap of territory, there was little warfare. Occasionally there might have been intervillage and intertribal enmities involving raiding and retaliation; more rarely there might have been battles when several villages combined forces against a common

9 “Mechoopda Maidu Indians - History & Culture – The Mechoopda: A Historical Overview,” accessed on October 29, 2013, www.mechoopda-nsn.gov/history.

10 Northwestern Maidu can also be referred to as the Konkow Maidu. This name is avoided because it can also refer to a specific village site. If used, “Konkow” will refer to the village.

11 Roland B. Dixon, The Northern Maidu (New York: Ameican Museum of Natural History, 1905), 123. 12 Francis A. Riddell, “Maidu and Konkow,” in Handbook of North American Indians, ed. Robert F.

Heizer (Washington: Smithsonian Institution, 1978), 370. 13 Dixon, 223; Dorothy Hill, The Indians of Chico Rancheria (Chico: Ka Ca Ma Press, 1978), 7-8.14 Dixon, 225. 15 Ibid., 201.16 Hill, 2.

http://www.mechoopda-nsn.gov/history


enemy. However, in their egalitarian society, there was little feeling of tribal loyalty.”17

“The population of a village could vary from a few families to many families, the total populationthusrangingfromtenorfifteentoafewhundredindividuals.”18 In general, the population of each village was small. Property ownership was both communal and individual. Personal items such as bows, baskets, clothing, and household goods were typically considered the property of the individual while land was considered communal property. An individual family could in some cases claim priority over a specificfishinghole,oaktree,orhuntingground,butanyrightswouldhavebeenbased on use as opposed to exclusive owned property.19 Each village would have had a chief. This was not a hereditary position and the chief would have been selected from one of the respected elder males in the village. The chief would be responsible for making important decisions for the tribe, settling disputes, and leading certain ceremonies. A chief could be stripped of this title if he lost favor with the members of the village.20 The physical village would consist of several semi-subterranean houses. These structures were round, about twenty feet in diameter, and excavated several feet deep. They were constructed with tree limbs and covered with dirt and plants and were accessed through the roof. Each house would hold a family unit and possibly others. These homes were typically organized around a larger ceremonial roundhouse. This structure is referred to as a roundhouse or dance house. Other village features would have included numerous granaries for food storage, structures to provide shade while working outside, and a menstrual house.21

The rich natural environment provided by the Sacramento Valley landscape allowed the Native Americans to survive by utilizing hunter-gatherer subsistence strategies. “In the Chico area it was unnecessary to travel a great distance to obtain a wide variety of food and other materials used domestically and ceremonially.”22 Many distinct ecological environments could be found and utilized within a several mile radius of Maidu villages in the region, each with their own offerings in terms of foods and materials. The Indians varied their subsistence strategies according to the season and what happened to be available.23 The Native Americans relied on the acorn as a primary staple item of their diet. They ground the acorns into a mush, which provided a comparatively nutritional food source that required relatively minimal effort. The Indians would also hunt elk, deer,pronghorn,quail,andotherbirds.Inadditiontootherfish,suchastrout,theannual salmon runs provided an important food source.24 Grasshoppers were also collected and enjoyed by the Indians.25“Thevarietyofthe[Maidu]dietwasimpressive,and protected them from single crop failures….”26

17 Ibid., 7. 18 Ibid.19 Dixon, 224. 20 Ibid., 223.21 Ibid., 168-176; “Mechoopda Maidu Indians – Mechoopda Culture, Traditional Life, and Society”; Hill, 52-58.22 Hill, 2. 23 Ibid., 7. 24 Ibid., 61-64. 25 Annie E.K. Bidwell, ed. Dorothy Hill, Rancho Chico Indians (1980, 1987), 55; Hill, 62-63; Dixon 190. 26 “Mechoopda Maidu Indians – Mechoopda Culture, Traditional Life, and Society.”


Especially when compared to the later American occupation, the Native Americans maintained a relatively low impact and symbiotic relationship with the natural environment. Their subsistence practices and low population density prevented them from creating too heavy-handed of an impact on the ecosystem. Hunting practices would have helped keep wildlife populations in check and improved the overall genetic quality of a species by hunting the weaker members of a population. The Indians did intentionallyaltertheenvironmentfortheirownbenefit.Thisprimarilyconsistedofperiodic burnings of the underbrush in order to improve their ability to hunt game and toencouragegrowthofdesiredflora.However,evenconsideringthis,theMaiducanbeconsidered a relatively stable part of their local ecosystem.

The day to day life of a Maidu villager revolved around these seasonal subsistence strategies. “The division of labor among the Maidu was such that the men did the hunting,fishing,andtrapping;builtthehouses,particularlythesemi-subterraneanearth lodges; and made all weapons. The women did all the rest of the work— cooking, preparing hides and clothing, gathering roots and seeds, making baskets, etc.”27 The local Maidu traded with neighboring groups for items like shell beads, pine nuts, and salmon in return for items like arrows, bows, deer hides, and food sources in local abundance.

Some of the most remarkable items produced by the local Maidu were their intricate baskets. “Basketry was both an art and a necessity.”28 Baskets were used for a variety of domestic purposes such as cooking, carrying objects, washing food, and catching animals. Some basketry was primarily ceremonial and created for annual burning ceremonies. The Maidu used willow and redbud to make the baskets and included intricate designs.29

Marriage was a rather simple, but important, institution. The marriage process was initiated by the man who would provide a gift to the bride’s father. Consent of both parties was required in almost all cases. The couple lived for a time with the bride’s family before permanently settling in the groom’s village. While brides could come from either the same village or nearby villages, the relatively low village populations contributed to a greater degree of local exogamy as men had to look outside the village tofindasuitablemate.Althoughmostmarriagesweremonogamous,amalewasfreeto marry as many wives as he could support with no degree of distinction between his wives. Divorce was a relatively straight forward matter, with both parties simply agreeing to no longer live together and both free to remarry immediately.30

The Maidu religious beliefs were similar to many other California Indians. Their religion lacked a clear organization and structure that those accustomed with western religions are familiar with. “Mechoopda oral literature is replete with myths recounting the origin of nearly every aspect of life in the world, including the establishment of culture.Thecreationofthefirstmanandwoman,thegiftofthefirstfood(acorn),and

27 Dixon, 227. 28 Riddell, 376.29 Ibid., 377.30 Dixon, 239-241.


eventheoccurrenceofthefirstdeath,providedorientationfornavigatingtheendlesspitfalls life in this world entails. Standing like ideological bookends, Kodoyampeh (Earth Maker)andCoyoteexpressedthedichotomousandoftenconflictingnatureoflife,theirexploits recited in endless episodes of myth.”31 The world was occupied by mysterious powers and spirits living in various natural geographic sites.

SomeofthemostpowerfulfiguresinMaiduvillagesweretheshamans.Ashamanhadbeencontactedbyaspecificanimalspiritandwasthenbroughtupintheartofshamanism. The shaman, “with his mysterious powers and spiritual communication, provided a sense of unity among the village community.”32 The shaman performed various societal and spiritual roles and also served as a natural healer.

A primary tenant of Maidu culture was the Kuksu cult. This male secret society is found in many tribes throughout northern California. According to Kroeber, “The secret society or Kuksu cult thus was followed by all or most of the members of eight stocks: the Yuki, Pomo, Wintun, Maidu, Miwok, Costanoan, Esselen, and Salinan, and by fragments of two others: Athabascan and Yokuts. On a wider view, the cult thus appears to be essentially, as well as originally, a Penutian systematization.”33 While the practice of the society was widespread, this should not suggest any greater degree of organization. “The society existed only in separate communities. Each communal society no doubt recognized the others as parallel and equal… The only societies were those of the town units. They were not branches, because there was no parent stem.”34 The society functioned as a ceremonial and dance society. Besides being an essential puberty ritual, initiation of younger males was important for the transmission of tribal cultural knowledge. The village history, religion, and ceremonial procedures were passed on via this society.35 In addition to this vital cultural function, the Kuksu society performed a series of annual dances. “The Kuksu cult had spirit impersonations and followed a dance cycle in which dances were representative of different spirits.”36 These rituals were conducted in order to pass on cultural heritage, ensure favorable weather and food for the future, and maintain the cosmic balance.37Aspecificcycleofdances was practiced throughout the year. Some dances involved the entire tribe, while others only included members of the Kuksu society. They took place in the ceremonial building and were extremely elaborate.

The Northwestern Maidu believed that when an individual died their spirit would travel to a secret cave in the Sutter Buttes, and after a time of reliving portions of their life they would ascend to another realm. Members of the village would bury the deceased in the ground with a large quantity of personal items and special memorial pieces

31 “Mechoopda Maidu Indians – Mechoopda Culture, Traditional Life, and Society.”32 Riddell, 384. 33 Alfred L. Kroeber Handbook of the Indians of California (Washington D.C.: Smithsonian Institution,

Bureau of American Ethnology, 1925), 371. 34 Kroeber, 375. 35 “Mechoopda Maidu Indians – Mechoopda Culture, Traditional Life, and Society.”36 Riddell, 384.37 Ibid., 383-384.


specificallyfortheoccasion.Womeninthevillagewouldloudlywailinmourningofthe deceased, often carrying on for several days. Sometime after the burial the village would hold a ceremonial burning in remembrance of the individuals who had passed away in the previous year. These burning ceremonies served an important cultural healing function and would involve the burning of decorative goods, such as baskets and headdresses, as well as more mundane items like domestic goods and clothes.38

Mechoopda

Among the many village sites in the Chico area, the village of Mechoopda became the mostsignificanttothearea’shistory.Historianshaveusedtheterm“Mechoopda”,inits various spellings, to designate both a linguistic subset of the Northwestern Maidu as well as a particular village site. The original village site existed near Durham and Little Chico Creek with the village’s territory stretching on the east side of the Sacramento River up to the south bank of Chico Creek. This community probably consisted of about 20 homes, or approximately 150-175 people. The lives of the Mechoopda changed dramatically with the coming of the Euro-Americans, and the tribe soon found their fate intertwined with that of one of these immigrants, John Bidwell.39 The relationship between the Mechoopda and the Bidwells proved vitally important to both parties throughout the rest of the century.

Early Buildings

Bidwell Mansion proved to be a substantial step up in living conditions for John Bidwell. Up until then, Bidwell had spent most of his life on the frontier and living in relatively primitive lodgings. After his arrival in California in 1841, for the most part he lived and worked in places associated with John Sutter. By the later part of the decade he was branching out on his own and established himself independent of Sutter. In 1847 he was living on the Farwell grant in a log and mud cabin located on the banks of Little Butte Creek, near modern day Durham, several miles south of where the city of Chico would be laid out. When he purchased half of Rancho del Arroyo Chico in 1849, he moved overtothenorthbankofBigChicoCreek.Thelocationofthisfirstsettlementwouldhave fallen somewhere within the modern day park boundaries of Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. This location afforded many advantages, including access to a consistent watersource,abovethefloodplainoftheSacramentoRiver,andstrategicallyadjacentto the main north-south route to Oregon. This route evolved over the years from an informal trail, to the Shasta-Marysville Stage Road, to the Esplanade that the city of Chico enjoys today. This location remained the center of Bidwell’s agricultural empire, throughout its many changes.

John quickly added more buildings beyond the meager cabin he called home. Soon he had a substantial complex built up, consisting of several ranch buildings including a store and a granary. A major turning point came in 1852 when Rancho Chico was raided by a band of hostile Indians, burning down the entire complex Bidwell had built up. John quickly set about rebuilding. With the aid of the Mechoopda Maidu Indians, who

38 Hill, 48-52; Annie Bidwell, 32-35; Dixon, 246.39 “Mechoopda Maidu Indians – Mechoopda Culture, Traditional Life, and Society”; Hill, 16-17.


had moved on to the property with John soon after his arrival, a large adobe building was erected and acted as a hotel as well as his living quarters. This historic building stood close to the Shasta-Marysville road, close to its crossing of Big Chico Creek. The “Old Adobe,” as it was known, appears prominently in several photographs from the era and has been roughly located by modern archeological methods where the park’s lawn lies today. All sources point to this building remaining as John’s primary residence until Bidwell Mansion was ready to move in. For several years after the completion of the mansion, the adobe remained on the grounds as a nostalgic historical relic. John was less sympathetic than many locals and remembered the “old Adobe, saying, “I had an old adobe house that was built in ’52 – an insect-infested house. A great many people say ‘let it stand.’ But I removed every vestige of it. It had no charm for me.”40 John tookthefinalstepoftearingthe“OldAdobe”downin1874.Nothingremainsofthephysical building, but a prominent painting, made in 1887 and given as a New Year’s gift totheBidwell’s,hangsintheofficebuilding.

In addition to the “Old Adobe,” new buildings continued to be quickly put up throughout Rancho Chico. Newspaper descriptions detail the growth and diversity of ranch buildings. Several important buildings sprung up around the area contained within today’s park boundaries. Also in 1852, the Chico store was built on the south-east corner of the grounds, appearing in several photographs. This store served as an importantnexusfortheranchoandalsoservedasthepostoffice.Afterthecreationof the town of Chico in 1860, John moved his store downtown to the corner of front and Broadway and the original store building was eventually torn down. In 1853 John Bidwellbuilthisfirstflourmillacrosstheroadfromhisstore.ThislocationremainedthesiteofBidwell’sflourmill,inallitsvariousiterations,untilitsfinalversionwastorn down in the 1960s. An apartment complex now sits in this location, which is just across the Esplanade from BMSHP. Other buildings in this area included various sheds, ranch buildings, and residences for workers. There is a great deal of room for research intothespecificsofthisearlyranchoera,bothintermsofidentifyingthevariousbuildings and detailing the history associated with them.

Building Bidwell Mansion

All known evidence points to the “Old Adobe” serving as John Bidwell’s primary residence from 1852 until the completion of Bidwell Mansion. By the 1860s, this arrangementappearstohavebeenarchaicandunacceptabletoJohnandhisrefinedambitions. John was interested in leaving behind the wild days of the 1840s and 50s, and becoming a respectable member of Victorian society. John appears to have begun planning for the mansion in the early 1860s, although not much is known about this process. It appears that construction was well underway in late 1865, when John, while on a trip to Washington D.C., wrote one of his contacts in Chico about information regarding the “new house.” Construction did not wrap up until 1868, a period that corresponds to many important changes in John’s life. John’s term in Congress between 1865 and 1867 certainly dragged out the construction time of the home. Strained finances,duetoJohn’sextendedabsenceandinvestmentsinotherprojects,alsoplayedaroleinhaltingcompletionofthehome.Johnalsounderwentasignificant

40 Dictation, 24.


moral transformation during this period, converting to Christianity and becoming a staunch prohibitionist. This had an effect on certain aspects of the home, such as the third-floorballroom/billiards-room,whichbecameusedformoremoralpurposes.

Of course the most important change in John’s life was his marriage to Annie Ellicott Kennedy in April of 1868. John may have planned the initial design and construction of the home, planning on remaining a bachelor for the remainder of his life, but once he began his pursuit of Annie, she certainly played a role in the latter planning and completion of certain aspects of the home. Their letters show Annie giving suggestions on various pieces of furniture and features of the home. After her arrival she helped overseethefinalcompletionofthehome,evengoingasfarastophysicallyhelpinstallthe wall-to-wall carpets in the home. So while it is true that John planned and built the housebeforeevermeetingAnnie,andhadplannedonnevermarrying,thefinalhomein1868certainlydisplayedherinfluence.Andofcourseshewouldplayacentralroleinthechangesmadeonthehomeoverthenextfiftyyears.

Very little is known about the early construction of the home, although additional research may possibly be able to answer many questions. John Bidwell hired architect Henry W. Cleaveland to design the home. Cleaveland was a prominent architect of his day. Originally from New York, he authored a book on home design and was a founding member of the National Association of Architects before coming west to California. In order to oversee construction of the home, Cleaveland built and resided in the small outbuilding behind the mansion. Much more research should be conducted on Cleaveland, especially looking into other homes he designed and any information he compiled about the construction of Bidwell Mansion. Details of construction throughout the several years of construction are minimal and leave many questions unanswered. It appears that many of the workmen came from San Francisco, and that work was conducted seasonally. Additional research may be able to shed a great deal of light on this process.

The home is an Italian Villa style of Victorian-era architecture, and is constructed of stuccoed brick. It is three stories high, including a tower on the front that rises an additional two stories. The elaborate design features include a hipped rood with central monitor, elaborate cornices, arched and hooded windows, and a wraparound veranda on the second-story. The home included formal rooms for social events, spacious bedroomsforguests,anoffice,alibrary,andanattachedkitchenandwashroom.Anatural air circulation system helped keep the home cool, while eight faux-marble finishedfireplacesfromNewYorkwarmedthehomebyburningcoal.Newtechnologywas eagerly incorporated in the home, including gas lights throughout the house. A generator would have produced a form of coal gas on site. An open space in the walls allowed for pipes to channel the gas throughout the home. In 1898 the system was upgrade to use new acetylene gas.

Changes in the Home

In 1868 John and Annie returned from their wedding in Washington D.C. and took up residence in the new home. Together they resided in the home for the next thirty-two years. This period constitutes the primary interpretive period for the restored mansion


today.Throughoutthattimethehomeunderwentvariouschanges,modifications,andupdates. However, no major structural changes took place. These changes made during the 1868-1900 time period should be systematically documented and placed in context to be better understood.

In 1914 Annie Bidwell donated 24.72 acres, including the mansion, to the College Board of the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America to be used as a co-educational Christian school after her death. Soon after Annie’s death in 1918, the Presbyterian Church determined it would not be cost effective to establish and upkeep the mansion as a school and in 1922 sold the mansion and 10.21 acres for $10,000 to be used as a dormitory for the then Chico State Teachers College.

Chico State Teachers College (which became Chico State College in 1936 and then California State University, Chico in 1972) used the mansion as dormitories through 1934. From 1935 until its transfer to California State Parks, the school used the home forclassrooms,offices,andsocialfunctions.Beginningintheearly1950s,civicgroupsstarted a focused lobbying effort for the transfer of the Bidwell Mansion property from Chico State College to the Division of Beaches and Parks. After eleven dedicated years, theBidwellMansionofficiallybecamepartoftheDivisionofBeachesandParks,nowknown as the Department of Parks and Recreation. In March 1964, the department classifiedtheunitasBidwellMansionStateHistoricMonumentandhelddedicationceremonies on May 7, 1966. In May 1970 CSP dropped the term “Monument” from generalusageandallhistoricalunits,exceptforHearstSanSimeon,becameclassifiedas State Historic Parks. In 1966 Rancho del Arroyo Chico and the Bidwell Adobe were listed as California Historical Landmark #329, and in 1972 Bidwell Mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Following John Bidwell’s death in 1900, beginning with Annie Bidwell and continuing throughout ownership by the college and CSP, Bidwell Mansion underwent many changes and additions. Originally, CSP used the rear section of the home as well as a post-1900 addition on the north side for visitor orientation, museum displays, bathrooms, and staff areas. These uses transferred to the modern Visitor Center located to the north of the mansion upon its opening in 1993. Renovation of the mansion started in 1997 with the removal of the post-1900 addition. Between 1997 and 2010 the kitchen, dining room, and staff quarters were all restored according to the 1865 Bidwell Mansion blueprints.

Recreation Resources

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park’s beauty, intrinsic and historic value, and proximity to other areas of interest attract visitors to a variety of recreational

opportunities. While guided tours of Bidwell Mansion are the most obvious recreational activity, visitors partake in numerous other pastimes while at the park. These activities include both intentional and incidental recreation, and occur in four zones throughout this small unit. These zones include Big Chico Creek and the surrounding riparian zone, the mansion grounds, the modern Visitor Center, and Bidwell Mansion itself.

The creek and riparian zone provide opportunities for nature viewing and relaxation.


In the past, park staff have conducted gold panning programs in the creek, but have not conducted these programs in this area for some time. A reproduction metal bridge spans the creek and provides easy walking access to Children’s Park and downtown Chico. Children’s Park offers a variety of activities including a playground for young children, while downtown Chico has a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. However, the proximity to these areas as well as the relative seclusion provided by the riparian growth make the creek area a spot often visited by transients and delinquents, and therefore limits its suitability for interpretive programs.

The mansion grounds provide the most variety of recreational opportunities. The beautiful trees, lawn, and setting adjacent to the mansion attract many peoplewhothenfindopportunitiesforinspiration and relaxation. One picnic table provides a place to sit. Located under the Gingko tree, many guests use it to enjoy the park, while others choose to pick a spot on the lawn to relax or to enjoy a picnic, a conversation, reading, or informal play. University classes meet on the grounds to study the trees, history, and architecture associated with the park.

Many people use the setting for artistic endeavors. The beauty of the mansion and the trees make them favorite subjects for casual and professional photographers, both as the primary subject and as a background. Professionals often use the grounds as a location for wedding and quinceañera photos. Painters also use the grounds for their work and the park has hosted several plein air painting and other art events.

Weddings, birthday parties, and other gatherings take place on the grounds. Most of these events are organized and go through the CSP Special Event permitting process,

while some smaller gatherings are more impromptu and happen without prior CSP knowledge or participation. The gazebo, lawn, and garden are the locations most often used for these events.

While many guests intentionally seek out BMSHP for their recreational opportunities, a large number discover or use the park unintentionally or incidentally. The park’s urban setting and close proximity to downtown Chico and California State University, Chico make it a frequently used thoroughfare. Many students, for example, pass through the grounds on their BMSHP co-sponsors an annual harvest

festival with a local agricultural organization..

BMSHP serves as the stage for a variety of formal and informal recreation.


way to class and stop to enjoy the trees or catch up on homework. A bike path running through the park brings many people on their way to a variety of locations. Some that stop had not planned on recreating at the park, but stumbled upon the opportunity.

Since its opening in 1993, the BMSHP Visitor Center has expanded the recreational opportunities available at the park. Inside, people can view historical exhibits and park-related videos, or shop in the General Store operated by the Bidwell Mansion Association. The building can also host special events such as meetings, presentations, and special exhibits.

Bidwell Mansion is the fourth zone of recreation for the unit. Because of its historic nature,recreationinsidethemansionissignificantlycontrolled.Activitiesareprimarilylimited to guided tours through the home, but other activities are occasionally offered including photography, open-house style touring, and performances. The mansion is locked and only available under supervision of CSP staff.

Research Resources

Forsubjectspecificresearchsuggestions,seeSelectedBibliographyinAppendixA.

The following CSP resources are available when planning interpretive programs and facilities. These entities have park plans, archives, museum collections, libraries, and specialists with extensive knowledge of BMSHP and its resources:

Interpretation and Education Division

CSP Archives

Northern Service Center

Photographic Archives

Planning Division

Archaeology, History, and Museum Division

State Museum Resource Center

Central Records

The following California State Parks have similar interpretive themes, interpretive periods, and museum collections to BMSHP. These units have archives, museum collections, park staff, and volunteers with extensive knowledge of their park’s history and its resources. Interpretive planners are encouraged to contact these units and others to share resources and possibly create joint interpretive programs:

Wm. B. Ide Adobe SHP

Sutter’s Fort SHP

Sonoma SHP


Fort Ross SHP

Marshall Gold Discovery SHP

Monterey SHP

Governor’s Mansion SHP

Leland Stanford Mansion SHP

Old Shasta SHP

The following organizations and facilities have extensive libraries and online resources for interpretive development. These organizations may have collections available for use in publications, programs, panels, and exhibits. They also have subject matter experts that can assist in research:

California State University, Chico

Bancroft Library, UC Berkeley

California State Library

California State Archives

Butte County Historical Society

ButteCountyClerk/Recorder’sOffice

Butte County Library

Society of California Pioneers

California Historical Society

Online Archive of California

National Archives

Library of Congress


3 Current Status of InterpretationInterpretive Readiness

California State Parks employees and trained volunteers deliver a wide range of interpretive tours, school programs, and other services. Because of the integral role

ofinterpretationtotheoperationsofBMSHP,maintainingadequatelevelsofstaffingis crucial to the continuance of high quality interpretive programs and events that contribute to the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California.

At the time of writing this plan, eight CSP employees were involved in various aspects of interpretation at BMSHP. These include:

OneLakeOroville/ValleySectorSuperintendent(Permanent)

One Valley Sector Supervising Ranger (Permanent)

One State Park Interpreter I (Part-time)

Three Park Interpretive Specialists (Part-time)

Two Seasonal Park Aides (Part-time)

One Park Maintenance Worker (Part-time)

Other employees that are available to assist or lead various interpretive activities include State Park Rangers, maintenance workers, and interpretive staff from nearby State Parks.

Experienced interpretive staff members lead interpretive training by creating and supplying training material, allowing those in training to shadow programs, and by providing feedback and evaluation. Interpretive training material makes use of formal CA State Parks training publications including the “Basic Interpretation Learning System” and “All Visitors Welcome”, as well as informal material such as a reading listandapark-specific“GuideforGuides”. Evaluations are performed informally by lead staff and formally by the Sector Superintendent or assigned supervisor. Funding for interpretive programs and staff comes from BMSHP operations budget, money contributed by the Bidwell Mansion Association, grants, and community donations.

Volunteers form a vital cornerstone of operational support for interpretation at BMSHP. Short-term volunteers and CA State Parks “Volunteers In Parks Program” volunteers assist with school trips, special events, grounds

Volunteers form a vital cornerstone of park operations.


upkeep,leadingtours,andstaffingtheVisitorCenter.AParkInterpretiveSpecialist,with assistance from other staff, oversees the paperwork, scheduling, training, and evaluation of active volunteers. The importance of a dedicated volunteer coordinator cannotbeoverstated,andthepark’svolunteerprogramhasbeensignificantlyhinderedwhenthispositionisnotdefined.Volunteersprovideawealthofexpertiseandhelpinreducing costs by assisting and supplementing CSP employees.

A variety of resources are available for assisting and planning park interpretation. Half oftheVisitorCenterisdedicatedtoofficespace.Thisspaceconsistsofsixcomputerswith internet and printer access, a multi-media theater, a research library, a collections storage room, a kitchen and meeting space, and four closets used for costumes, supplies,andstorage.Severaloftheseareasandobjectscouldbenefitfromgreaterorganization and updating.

Summary of Analysis

The park is well poised for interpretation. Quality staff is the most important aspect ofthis.Currently,theparkmaintainsanadequatelevelofstaffingandagooddealofpersonnel experience. In the past, park operations have suffered from lack of staff and highstaffturnover.Administrativesystemsshouldberefinedandimprovedinordertoensure consistency and continuity within the staff. Furthermore, better organization andnewtechnologycouldsignificantlyimproveinterpretivereadiness.

Interpretive Services - Personal

BMSHP offers several kinds of personal interpretive services. Currently, these services primarily consist of guided tours through Bidwell Mansion and onsite school programs.

In the future BMSHP could expand its personal interpretive opportunities to include a greater variety of services including roving interpretation, demonstration, living history, interpretive talks, junior rangers, and summer programs.

The following is a brief description and analysis of the current personal interpretive services conducted at BMSHP:

Guided Bidwell Mansion Tours

Regularly scheduled guided tours of Bidwell Mansion are the primary interpretive service conducted at BMSHP. Currently, staff and trained volunteers conduct tours on Saturdays, Sundays,andMondays.Inthepast,toursransevendaysaweek,thendroppedtofivedaysaweek,andfinallytothecurrentoperationofthreedaysaweekinOctober2011.While the current three day schedule is designed to capture the majority of guests, many potential visitors miss out due to the limited availability. These tours cost $6 for adults and $3 for youth ages 5-17. Payment can only be made by cash or check. While thepricetypicallydoesnotactasabarrier,somevisitorsfindthemselvesunabletopaybecause they only have debit or credit cards that cannot be accepted by the park. Some guests visit nearby ATMs, while others do not return, resulting in lost revenue. Tours begin in the Visitor Center at the top of every hour and can accommodate up to twenty people at a time.


The guided tours last about one hour and cover all three stories of the mansion. Tour guides utilize a variety of resources and shadow experienced tour guides in order to develop their own personal theme and tour content. Tour leaders design broad themes that tell the story of John and Annie Bidwell and their importance to California history. In the course of these tours, tour guides also touch upon subjects related to the park’s primary and secondary interpretive themes, including general California history, the lives of local Mechoopda Maidu, architecture, the natural environment, and technology. Thestructureoftheguidedmansiontoursallowtheflexibilityfortheguidetoadjustthe tour theme or content depending on the particular makeup of each group. However, while tours can be adjusted for children, they are primarily oriented towards adults. The majority of guests respond extremely well to the guided tours. However, the structure and time restraints do not allow for the topical focus or expansion that many guests express an interest in.

Inside the mansion, the original staircases provide the only access to the second and third stories, creating a barrier for some visitors. Visitors can view a video tour of thesefloorsintheVisitorCenter.AdiscussionofthisvideocanbefoundinInterpretive Services – Non-Personal. Currently, without prior accommodations, tours are only available in English, although BMSHP is working to expand onsite resources to include sign-language, Spanish, and other languages.

Guided tours are the most popular interpretive activity offered by BMSHP and are extremely successful at conveying park themes. Visitors to the park respond favorably to the tours and especially comment on the effectiveness and knowledge of the tour guides. These tours appeal to a wide variety of visitors and constitute a fundamental element of the interpretive mission and vision at BMSHP.

Other Mansion Tours

In addition to the regularly scheduled guided tours, staff or volunteers will periodically conduct special tours of Bidwell Mansion. These tours can be conducted at times outside of normal operating hours. They can be led for a particular group and with a particular thematic focus, such as artwork or agriculture, for example. These tours are not advertised and are held relatively infrequently.

This category also includes several annual events held at the park including the Farm City Harvest Festival, the Chico Women’s Club Open House, and the BMSHP Holiday Evening Open House. These events typically make use of an open house format. Staff and volunteers station themselves around the home and interact with visitors as they move around the mansion at their own pace. This format provides a very different environment than the guided tours and allows for more in-depth discussion and expansion on themes than is possible during a guided tour. Adding to the scene, presenters typically dress in period-appropriate attire, which visitors enjoy very much. Theparkhasagoodselectionofwomen’scostumesthatfitthe1868-1900interpretiveperiod for the park. However, with limited selections and a narrow range of sizes, there is a much smaller selection of men’s clothing. It is important to note that these tours should not be considered living history programs. While they wear historic clothing, guides do not assume a character, and interact with presenters as modern people. Currently, no living history programs are conducted at the park.


School Tours Another staple of interpretation at BMSHP are the educational tours and programs offered to elementary school classes. A dedicated school coordinator is a vital piece for ensuring successful educational experiences for school groups visiting the park. This position should ensure staff readiness and act as a point of contact for educators. Approximately thirty school groups visit the park each school year, exposing over 1,000 studentstothestoryofJohnandAnnieBidwell.Thecurrentschoolyear,2013/14,willhostoverfiftygroupstotalingover1,800students.Additionalfundingforstaff,flexibilityinofferingprogramsallyearlong,andmoreefficientcommunicationwithteachers contributed to this increase. While classes visit the mansion from all over northern California, the majority come from surrounding Butte County school districts. TheseincludetheChicoUnifiedandParadiseUnifiedschooldistricts,aswellaslocalhome and charter schools. BMSHP offers school trips year round, but teachers will typically schedule trips in order to coincide with their third or fourth grade social science content.

Thefundamentalpartofaschooltripconsistsofaforty-fiveminuteguidedtourthrough Bidwell Mansion. These school tours are distinct from the regular guided tours offered to the general public and park staff design them according to California History and Social Science Content Standards for third and fourth grade as well as California Common Core standards.1 Students hear the story of John and Annie Bidwell, their mansion, and what life would have been like in late 1800s California.

In addition to the mansion tour, classes also have the opportunity to add an interactive program. The “Gold Rush” program covers the basics of the California Gold Rush and the lives of the people involved. It concludes byteachingstudentshowtopanforgoldandallowingthemtofindandkeeprealgoldflakes.The“1800sGadgets”programdiscussestechnologyandinventionsofthelate19th Century and allows students to observe and interact with gadgets used during that time. Both the “Gold Rush” and the “1800s Gadgets” programs have existed for many years and have undergone several iterations. They require updating in order to better conform to current content standards. In the past, groups had the option of another program that detailed the lives of the local Maidu Indians, but due to lack of staff training this program has not been offered for several years. Park staff have been workingtorevampthispopular,butoutdated,Maiduprogram.Itwillreflectcurrenteducational standards and will make use of an updated consultation with the Mechoopda Tribe.Programsruninconjunctionwithmansiontoursandalsotakeforty-fiveminutes.Inordertocoverstaffcosts,BMSHPchargesafeeforschedulingaprogram.In2013/14groups paid a fee of $50 per class.

1 See “Educational Framework and Standards” and Appendix B for more information on specific content standards.

School tours of Bidwell Mansion host over 1,000 school children every year.


BMSHP school tours and programs consistently receive positive feedback from teachers, parents, and students. However, several issues do arise. Classes come to the mansion with various degrees of prior knowledge about the Bidwells and other subjects, some withverylittlefamiliarityandotherswithagreatdeal.Thisvariationmakesitdifficultfor tour leaders to recognize and adjust their tours to the relative level of experience. Furthermore, no formal system exists to gauge the effectiveness of the tours and programs. A pre- and post-trip packet as well as a standard teacher feedback form may help in addressing these issues. Tours and programs work best with a smaller number of students, but increasing class sizes and higher transportation costs have led to an increase in the average group size. This increase, coupled with the availability of staff members,leadstodifficultiesinmanaginglargenumbersofstudents,whichimpactsthe effectiveness of the tours and programs.

In the past, with the help of CSUC students, BMSHP offered off-site, in-classroom, interpretive presentations. Due to budget constraints as well as staff and volunteer shortages, these presentations have not been available since 2007. There are no plans of restarting them at this time.

Talks

BMSHP staff and volunteers will infrequently give interpretive talks. These talks can include a variety of subjects and can be conducted on site or off site. Only a few talks have been given over the previous several years.

BMSHP has also played host to talks presented by individuals and entities not associated with CSP. While these talks undergo a special event review process, the content and focus may not be related to BMSHP or its interpretive themes because they are not conducted by park staff.

Informal Interpretation

In addition to organized interpretive services, BMSHP staff frequently engage in informal interpretive discussions with visitors while in the course of other duties in the Visitor Center and on the grounds. Due to the park’s current operation schedule, location, and use as a thoroughfare to CSUC and downtown Chico, these informal interpretive contacts constitute an important part of the visitor experience at BMSHP.

Summary of Analysis

Personal interpretation forms the backbone of operations at BMSHP. Guided tours are extremely effective but there is a need for more diversity. A greater variety of programs utilizingavarietyofinterpretiveplatformscouldsignificantlyincreaseandexpandthe park’s audience. School programs are successful, but need to be better organized, refined,andexpandedinordertoensuretheircontinuedsuccess.

Interactive programs provide school children hands-on learning experiences.


Interpretive Services – Non-Personal

Interpretive Facilities

Bidwell Mansion: Bidwell Mansion stands as the centerpiece and primary interpretive feature of BMSHP, and has been restored both interiorly and externally to the 1868-1900 historic period. The inside of the mansion is typically only available to the public via regularly scheduled guided tours or special events. Since the park has no perimeter fencing, the grounds and outside of the house remain open to the public outside of typical operating hours. Periodically, the inside of the home is made available in an “open-house” format, allowing visitors to self-tour the house. These tours mainly occur as part of the December holiday season. The home is often decorated and interpretive signs are placed throughout, describing different items on display. Mansion staff are posted inside the home, interacting with guests and preventing damage to artifacts. Duringtheseevents,staffusuallymoveseveralhigherprofileordelicateartifactstoprevent damage.

As part of the restoration process, CSP has furnished the home with period appropriate artifacts. A minority of the artifacts are original Bidwell pieces that have been gathered from various sources, while the remainder are period pieces or reproductions. Several enlarged historic photographs showing various locations inside the home are also on display and allow guests to see what the home looked like during the Bidwells’ time.

Thefirstfloorofthemansioniswheelchairaccessible,and,incompliancewithADAstandards, BMSHP offers a video tour of the second and third stories (see Interpretive Media).

Grounds: The BMSHP grounds consist of approximately 2.5 acres of land surrounding the mansion and Visitor Center. Uses for this space occur both formally and informally, including both interpretive and non-interpretive activities. The primary interpretive features of the BMSHP grounds include:

Lawn: A non-historic grass lawn stretches from the Esplanade to the paved circular driveway in front of the mansion. It is available for many interpretive uses as well as non-interpretive uses including weddings, quinceañeras, and photographs.

Interpretive Panels: Two interpretive panels located outside the Visitor Center provide generalinformationregardingtheparkanddisplayatimelineofsignificanteventsinthe history of the Bidwells and of the home. When the park is not open, these panels act as the primary interpretive material available to guests.

Trees: The trees of BMSHP stand as one of the most recognizable features of the park andarenotablefortheirhistoricalsignificanceandasexamplesofthehistoriclocallandscape. The trees provide excellent opportunities for non-personal interpretation. Throughout the years, the trees have been labeled and interpreted in a variety of manners. The history of these various labeling systems is not entirely clear, involving at various times the individual or combined input of CSP, the Chico Horticultural Society, and CSUC. Currently, the labels can be grouped into two different categories, those


placed by CSP and those placed by CSUC. This outdated and confusing system renders the tree labels almost completely ineffective as interpretive pieces.

The labels placed by CSP appear to have been part of a self-guided tour of the grounds that included an accompanying interpretive pamphlet entitled “A Gift from the Past: A Guide to Bidwell Mansion’s Grounds”. The brown labels include a number that corresponds to stops and information designated in the pamphlet. They also list the commonandscientificnamesforthetreeaswellasitscountryoforigin.Between1991and 1993, a collaboration of BMSHP, the Bidwell Mansion Association, and individuals from the CSUC Art Department worked to create this self-guided tour as an update to an earlier system.2 Further complicating the issue, the labels appear to be updated versions of labels placed on the grounds by the Chico Horticultural Society possibly as far back as the 1950s.3 Several trees listed in the pamphlet no longer exist and several other trees no longer bear their accompanying labels. With the pamphlets no longer in print and not available to the public, the labels remain a mystery to guests. These labels also do not meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility guidelines.

Other labels appear on various trees throughout the grounds as part of the CSUC Arboretum system and correspond to a pamphlet entitled “Campus Tree Map & Guide”. The CSUC Biology Department produces the pamphlet and provides copies for the BMSHP Visitor Center to make available to guests upon request. The Arboretum includes trees and plants located on CSP property and the neighboring CSUC campus. TheblackArboretumplacardsbearthetree’scommonname,scientificname,countryoforigin,anidentificationnumber,andthewords“CaliforniaStateUniversity,ChicoArboretum”. Several known errors occur in the pamphlet and some of the trees listed no longer stand. It is not known what role, if any, CSP played in the labeling of trees located on its property or what agreements it had in place with the university. According to discussions with CSUC personnel involved with the Arboretum, the university will likely be updating this system in the near future.

Carriage Shed: A rebuilt carriage shed stands to the immediate northwest of the mansion. Constructed in the 1980s, this structure stands near the location of the historic carriage shed that existed during the Bidwells’ time. A plaque by the shed informs visitors that this building is a modern construction. Park staff keep the carriage shed open and available for viewing during normal park operating hours and when school tours are taking place on the grounds. The inside of the structure houses six historic carriages, several of which are believed to have been owned by the

2 BMSHP Unit History.3 Oral history from local tree expert Wes Dempsey. Chico Horticultural Society records are unavailable

from that period.

An example of two different tree labels.

John and Annie driving a carriage on Rancho Chico.


Bidwells. No interpretive media currently exists for the carriages or carriage shed and nothing distinguishes between the original and non-original pieces. Visitors must ask park staff if they desire to learn anything about the carriages or carriage shed.

Architect’s Cottage: Attached to the south side of the carriage shed is a small brick building known as the Architect’s Cottage. The Bidwells used this structure for a variety of uses during their time, including purportedly housing the mansion’s architect, HenryCleaveland,duringconstruction.CurrentlyusedasCSPofficespace,theArchitect’s Cottage has not been restored, is not open to the public, and is not used for interpretation.Nosignageidentifiesthebuildinginanyway.

Annie’s Garden: Located on the south side of the home, Annie’s Garden consists of a small reproduction garden area with a variety of plantings, a small path, a bench, and a wisteria arbor. Volunteers maintain this area, which demonstrates what the Bidwells’ landscaping would have been like. Besides a small plaque dedicating the garden to the memory of Annie’s great-grandniece, no other interpretive material exists for this area.

Rose Garden: Adjacent to Annie’s Garden, volunteers have planted and maintain a rose garden. The Bidwells did grow roses, but did not maintain a dedicated rose garden on the property. The current garden contains several varieties of roses grown by the Bidwells as well as several other prominent varieties from their time. Several plantings are genetic descendants of actual Bidwell roses. A volunteer has recently added small signs that designate the name, variety, and year of development for each type of rose in the garden. No other interpretive media exists for this area. These signs also do not meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility guidelines

Historic Footbridge: To the south of the mansion, an iron footbridge spans Big Chico Creek. This bridge is a reconstruction of an historic bridge that crossed the creek during the Bidwells’ time. A small sign tells that the bridge originally existed around 1900 and that the Rotary Club, with help from CSP and others, rebuilt the bridge in 1983.

State Historical Marker: Originally placed on the grounds in 1966 by the California State Parks Commission, a large State Historical Marker now stands adjacent to the Carriage Shed. The marker gives a brief description of John Bidwell’s contributions to California Agriculture and designates “Rancho del Arroyo Chico” as State Historical Landmark No. 329.

Stone Monument: At the extreme southeast corner of the park, at the intersection of Sol-Wil-Le-No Avenue and the Esplanade, stands a large stone historical marker commemorating “the Oregon Trail and the site of the old Adobe built for General

Architect’s Cottage, Carriage Shed, and Historical Marker.


Bidwell by the Mechoopda Indians in 1852”. Research of historic newspapers indicates that the monument dates from 1925 when the Pioneer Historic Association of California placed it on the grounds.

Gazebo: A gazebo stands on the lawn to the front of the mansion where an historic gazebo stood during the Bidwells’ time. A plaque tells of its construction between 1979 and 1981. No current interpretation utilizes the gazebo, but visitors to the park often use it for recreational purposes such as picnics or photography.

Millstone: Under the Gingko tree next to the Visitor Center lays an unassuming millstone.ThismillstonesupposedlyoriginatedfromJohnBidwell’sflourmill,historically located across the Esplanade from the park. No labels or markings identify the millstone in any way. However, this may be a good thing as its location makes it susceptible to vandalism, damage, or theft.

Annie’s Hitching Post: To the rear of the Carriage Shed stand a set of concrete steps and apostidentifiedintheBMSHPbrochureand“AGift from the Past: A Guide to Bidwell Mansion’s Grounds” as “Annie’s Hitching Post.” It is believed that Annie would have used the steps to mount and dismount carriages and horses. No other interpretation exists for this site.

Visitor Center: Opened to the public in 1993, the current BMSHP Visitor Center sits directly north of Bidwell Mansion and houses bathrooms, a lobby and park store, an exhibit hall, a theater,staffofficesandkitchen,andanartifact storage room. Non-personal interpretive features include:

Exhibit Hall: The Visitor Center includes a small exhibit hall consisting of panels and displayed artifacts that interpret the lives of John

and Annie Bidwell and their impact on California history. A copy of the book Dear General, a collection of letters exchanged by the Bidwells, is available for guests to read and is the only interactive part of the exhibit area. The 1990 Interpretive Plan and 1992 Exhibit Text documents outline the design and content of the Exhibit Hall. There havebeennosignificantchangestothecontentordesignof this area since its opening in 1993. While the Exhibit Hall, overall, does an effective job of interpretation, it is in need of updating. The look and layout of the hall feel dated and the lack of interactive displays limit its effectiveness for certain groups, especially children.

Theater Photographs: A selection of photographs is displayed in the theater that adjoins the Exhibit Hall. These historic images depict a variety of scenes related to the

Opened in 1993, the BMSHP Visitor Center greatly expanded the interpretive possibilities at the park.

Visitor Center exhibits are in need of modernization.


Bidwells. Many visitors show interest in the photographs, but no labels exist to inform guests of what they are seeing.

Victorian Secrets Display: Also located in the theater, an exhibit titled “Victorian Secrets” displays and discusses historic undergarments. A glass display case contains the exhibit, but, unlike the Exhibit Hall cases, it has no cove lighting. It is not known when this display began or who designed it, but the contents of the case have not changed for several years. Due to its location and lack of lighting, it is frequently overlooked and missed by visitors.

Interpretive Media

Non-personal interpretive media currently in use at BMSHP include:

BMSHP Free Brochure: This standard brochure produced by CSP provides basic information about the Bidwells and orients guests to the park. It is available inside the Visitor Center as well as outside, making it available to the public outside of normal operating hours. In a given week, about sixty brochures are taken by members of the public.

Other Brochures: Several other brochures are available for free in the Visitor Center. Published by both CSP as well as other entities, they cover topics including California State Park opportunities, local history, and other attractions. Some are interpretive in nature while others are not.

Websites:CSPmaintainsanofficialpageforBMSHPthroughitswww.parks.ca.gov website. This page provides basic interpretation and orientation information. In addition, BMSHP staff update a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bidwellmansionshp. This page allows for more up to date information and interaction with interested members of the public. This page has been increasingly utilized for interpretation through daily posts of historical information. A website is also run by the Bidwell Mansion Association, the park’s cooperating association, at www.bidwellmansionassociation.com. This site and its content are not produced by CSP, but done so under the auspices of the association’s contract.

“The Map of History”:Uponrequestvisitorscanviewatwenty-fiveminuteinterpretivevideo entitled “The Map of History”, which is shown in the theater. Produced by CSP in 1993, the video provides a brief overview of John Bidwell’s life and his role in the history of California. Despite being over twenty years old, “The Map of History” does an extremely effective job at discussing the Bidwells and their legacy and helps introduce major park themes. Open captioning provides accessibility for the hearing impaired. The video is available for purchase through State Parks’ online store and in the BMSHP park store.

Second and Third Floor Accessibility Video: Visitors who are unable to access the upper stories of Bidwell Mansion have the option of returning to the Visitor Center and viewing avideotourofthesecondandthirdfloors.CrownBroadcastingandCommunicationsproduced the video in 2003 for CSP in order to meet accessibility needs. The video shown today is only a segment of a longer video tour that covered the entire house.

http://www.parks.ca.gov

http://www.facebook.com/bidwellmansionshp

http://www.facebook.com/bidwellmansionshp

http://www.bidwellmansionassociation.com

http://www.bidwellmansionassociation.com


While the video is captioned, the poor quality does not make it appropriate for vision impaired guests. The video comes off as poorly produced and out of date, and should be replaced.

Gaps in Existing Interpretation

Currently non-personal interpretive services are only available in English.

Summary of Analysis

The park’s non-personal interpretation is in need of major improvement. For that which does exist, most of it is outdated, poorly designed, and overall ineffective. Interpretive materials on the grounds are especially lacking. With the park open less for guided personal tours and with the cost of staff becoming a greater issue, the importance of non-personal interpretation is only increasing. Current non-personal interpretation is not adequate for meeting this increasing need.

Collections

History of the Collection

Upon Annie Bidwell’s death in 1918, personal items and documents were dispersed to her heirs and the mansion became the property of the Presbyterian Church.

Following its establishment as a State Parks unit in 1964, BMSHP made an appeal for original and period artifacts in order to furnish the mansion and to be used for interpretation. Bidwell family members, historic associations, local citizens, and CSP museum resource centers contributed both original and period artifacts to the collection. In addition, some objects remained in the mansion upon its transfer from the university.

In 2013 BMSHP staff updated its Scope of Collections document.4 This document explains the history, purpose, and general location of the collection and establishes parameters for the accumulation and use of objects. The primary collection consists of approximately 7,000 artifacts including archival material, books, letters, maps, photographs, documents related to the Bidwells, textiles, art, personal objects, decorative items, and furnishings. Approximately 25% of the collection originated with the Bidwells, the remainder being period pieces or reproductions. Records and information regarding these objects are cataloged in the CSP museum database, “The Museum System” (TMS).

Collection Objects Currently Used for Interpretation

The majority of the collection currently resides inside Bidwell Mansion and provides the foundation for interpretive tours at BMSHP. The home includes 19th-century furnishings, originalfireplaces,periodlightingfixtures,andworksofart.Anethnographiccollectionincludes Asian and Native American objects including vases and baskets. Other objects

4 See Appendix C


on display, both original and period, include books, textiles, natural history specimens, farm implements, a carbide-gas generator, and many other objects. A large collection of textiles remain stored away from the public on the third story. The mansion itself survives in relatively good condition.

The Exhibit Hall displays contain original and period pieces as part of its interpretive exhibits. An environmentally controlled artifact storage room contains photo archives, maps, letters, other documents, Native American basketry and grinding stones, additional household goods, textiles, and items in need of repair.

Six historic carriages, along with associated objects, are stored and displayed in the rebuilt carriage shed.

In addition to tours and exhibits, school programs make use of collection objects. Some objects can be used to aid in the research and design of interpretive programs.

Object/Environment Evaluations

Several recent inventories have been conducted, including the cataloging of the mansioninpreparationofpossibleclosureattheendofthe2012fiscalyearandaninventoryoftheArtifactStorageRoomfollowingfloodinginApril2012.

In 2012, Proposition 84 funds became available to the park in order to perform a Collections Facility Improvement and Conservation Project. The intent of this Assessment Project is to undertake a comprehensive artifact assessment and implement appropriate recommendations. During the pre-assessment stage of this project, BMSHP staff reviewed accession documentation, TMS entries, Annie Bidwell’s will, and previous inventories inordertoconfirmwhichobjectsbelonged to the Bidwells. This process revealed many discrepancies regarding the provenance of various objects. Staff have worked to research, clarify, and document information about these artifacts, but the process is on-going and further work is needed.

Only a minority of artifacts belonged to the Bidwells, including John’s writing chair, pictured here.

A Native American basket, part of BMSHP’s basket collection.


The environmental condition inside Bidwell Mansion and its effect on artifacts is of special concern, BMSHP monitors this by utilizing data loggers. Monthly recording of temperatureandhumidityfluctuations,alongsidepersonalobservationsrevealedissuesinvolving artifact deterioration and precautions were taken to reduce direct sunlight to certain pieces. Storage also creates a problem with textiles, paintings, books, and other objects stored in cupboards and other areas not suitable for proper storage of artifacts.

Additional Collections Not Housed at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park

Incidental to the collections currently housed at BMSHP, objects found in the course of two excavations on the property remain housed off site.

A 1987 excavation to identify the location of the Bidwell’s carriage shed uncovered over 2,000 objects, including Native American artifacts dating to between 700 and 1,000 CE. These objects have been cataloged and currently reside in the State Archaeological Collections Research Facility.5

Another excavation, conducted in 1990 in anticipation of the construction of the Visitor Center, also uncovered Native American

artifacts. In 2013 these pieces passed to Dr. Craig White of Sonoma State University for cataloging, analysis, and documentation.

Special Concerns

As with so many other State Parks collections, BMSHP retains too many of certain types of objects. The textile room, for example, contains many more objects than can ever be used for interpretation at the park. Meanwhile, other objects that could be used for interpretive programs do not exist in the collection.

During the pre-assessment phase of the Assessment Project, a large collection of objects that fall outside of the parameters of the current Scope of Collections document were deaccessioned and transferred to other CSP units and a local non-profitmuseum.ThroughthedraftingofthisIMP,interpretivepossibilitiesanduseswillbebetteridentified.Ratherthancollectingobjectsandkeepingtheminstorage,objects will be assessed from the view point of their potential utilization in interpretive programs. This process coupled with the Assessment Project will allow BMSHP to trim down unused or irrelevant objects and to add relevant collections that will aid and expand the interpretive programing at the park.

5 Keith L. Johnson, In Search of John Bidwell’s Carriage House: Archaeological Investigations at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, Chico, CA (December, 1987).

Projectile point found during excavation at BMSHP, not housed at the park.


Summary of Analysis

BMSHP collections are overcoming forty-plus years of varying and inconsistent management. The record keeping is poor and needs to be improved. Systems need to be put in place to create a solution to this issue and ensure the effectiveness of future record keeping. Park staff need a better understanding of and access to collections and collections information. There should be an effort to research and document informationregardingspecificobjects.Finally,betterstorageandprotectionofobjectsis needed. A dedicated staff member could help solve all of these issues.

Marketing

BMSHP uses a variety of methods to inform the public about interpretive and educational opportunities. These methods include public service announcements

sent to local news organizations, posters placed on the grounds and around the Chico area,andwebsites,includingtheofficialpageontheStateParkswebsite,aFacebookpage maintained by park staff, and the website of the Bidwell Mansion Association. The park currently does minimal promotion for its day-to-day operations and most visitors become aware of the park through word of mouth or from sources outside of CSP control. The methods mentioned above are primarily used in advertising special events and typically result in an increase of inquiries via telephone calls and other means. They vary in success depending on several factors, including timing, level and tone of coverage in local media outlets, and organization of marketing efforts.

Thepotentialclosureoftheparkattheendofthe2012fiscalyearcreatedanimportant issue for the park. Intense media coverage and local campaigns highlighted the planned closure of the park, but when the park remained open it went relatively unreported. Therefore, many in the public do not realize that the park has remained open and that programs continue to be held at the park.

For the advertisement of school tours and programs, BMSHP maintains a database of local school partners who have previously visited the park. In the fall, teachers receive a letter informing them of the educational opportunities for the coming school year and howtoscheduleatrip.Thisinformationisalsopostedonthepark’sofficialStateParkswebpage.

Summary of Analysis

BMSHP’s marketing has traditionally relied on the positive response of tour attendees and the park’s status as a local landmark. More formal and intentional marketing methodshavebeenutilizedinconsistentlyandinadequately.Theparkcouldbenefitfrom a more intentional, focused approach and a better working relationship with media sources. More efforts can also be put into reaching people outside of the surrounding Chico area.


4 Park SupportCommunity Involvement

The Bidwell Mansion stands as one of Chico’s most prominent and recognizable local landmarks. The park’s location is a major asset. The California State University,

Chico campus and downtown Chico border the park and are within easy walking distance, while the Esplanade, one of the busiest thoroughfares in the city, runs in front and within view of the mansion. Directional signage on Highway 99 orients travelers to the park. Local businesses and publications use the names “Bidwell” or “Rancho Chico” as well as images of Bidwell Mansion. In fact, the most recent version of Chico Police Department vehicles features an image of the mansion. The legacy of the Bidwells in the city as well as the mansion’s high visibility and recognition make it one of the most enduring and prominent landmarks of the community.

As such, the community is highly supportive of Bidwell Mansion. In the 1950s and 1960s, it was the vast support and activism from local citizens that brought about the preservation and protection of the home and the eventual establishment of BMSHP in 1964. Today, that same loyalty and devotion continues within the local community. Chico citizens enjoy the park on a daily basis through both formal and informal visitation.

However, this loyalty to the mansion as a landmark does not always extend to the park unit as a whole. The popular use of the name “Bidwell” as well as the park’s proximity to downtown Chico and CSUC leads many to believe the park is owned and operated by either the city or the university. And among those who understand the role of CSP, some question the role of State government in operating the park. This sentiment is limited and in large part BMSHP enjoys high rapport with local individuals and organizations.

Several local organizations hold events at the park. The annual Harvest Festival, presented by the Farm City Celebration and co-sponsored by BMSHP, takes place at the park in early November. In December, the Chico Women’s Club/BeulahRebekahLodge#60holdafreeannual open house featuring several choirs. The park is also used for weddings, events for local businesses and organizations, and community meetings.

Interpretiveandeducationalprogrammingisinfluencedbythecommunityandgeneralpublic through community meetings, through the park’s cooperating association, individually expressed opinions, and various forms of communication including a Facebook page.

The Bidwell Mansion Association supports park interpretation.


Partnership and Support

Bidwell Mansion Association

The Bidwell Mansion Association (BMA) acts as the park’s cooperating association. The BMA began in January of 1980 through the joining of two previous groups, the Bidwell Mansion Restoration Association and the Bidwell Mansion Cooperative Association. These previous organizations played a crucial role in the park’s early years, and the BMA continues that support through fund raising, publicity, restoration efforts, providing volunteers, and day-to-day operational support.

As stated in the BMA by-laws, Article 1:

The purpose of the Bidwell Mansion Association is as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, which includes the following:

To foster public interest in support of the Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.

To work toward completion of the restoration of the Bidwell Mansion.

Acquisition of authentic furnishings, belongings and mementos of the Bidwells, or suitable and appropriate items of their period.

TooperatefinanciallyproductiveenterprisesforthebenefitoftheBidwellMansion.

The operations, use of property and assets of the Bidwell Mansion Association shall be limited to interpretive and other educational purposes, as related to General John Bidwell and Annie E.K. Bidwell, in the Northern Buttes District of the State Park System, and for the restoration and improvements in the Bidwell Mansion.

Bidwell Mansion Community Project

InresponsetothepotentialclosingofBMSHPattheendofthe2012fiscalyear,agroupof concerned citizens and representatives from several local organizations formed an ad hoc organization they named the Bidwell Mansion Community Project (BMCP), for the purposes of funding park operations and keeping the mansion open to the public. Via various fund raising efforts, the BMCP raised over $140,000 through a designated fund set up and managed by the North Valley Community Foundation (NVCF). The Fundraising Policy Statement of the BMCP states that any funds “will be held by NVCF on behalf of BMCP and expended on projects to support the continued operations of Bidwell Mansion based on community input and consensus of the BMCP Steering Committee”. The NVCF continues to maintain the designated account and contributes funds to CSP as directed by the BMCP under the terms of a negotiated donor agreement.


Other Current Partners

Farm City: Farm City Celebration primarily coordinates with BMSHP during the annual harvest festival. The group is dedicated to increasing understanding, appreciation, and interaction with agriculture among the urban community.

Other Local Historical Attractions: BMSHP networks with other local historical attractions including the Stansbury Home and the Far West Heritage Association, which manages the Patrick Ranch Museum and the Chico Museum. The park has coordinated with these groups in organizing special interpretive events and deaccessioned collection objects have been given to them in order to preserve the items’ interpretive context.

Outdoor Education for ALL!: BMSHP connects with other educational providers through the group Outdoor Education for ALL! (OEFA). OEFA consists of a group of educators, naturalists, professionals, and volunteers that share a common interest in creating greater opportunity for natural science and outdoor education in northern California.

CREEC: The California Department of Education introduced an improved way for teachers to connect to exploratory, place-based, and environmental education instruction for pre-kindergarten through high school. The CREEC website provides a communication network for environmental education providers, businesses, government agencies, and community organizations through which educators can access high quality resources to enhance the environmental literacy of California’s students. BMSHP is connected through this website.

Chico Area Museum Alliance (CAMA): BMSHP is also a member of CAMA, a group of agencies, museums, and community organizations that meet quarterly to communicate about upcoming events. This group networks with the Museum of Northern California Art(MONCA),anewlyformednon-profitwhichhasrecentlyleased4,000sq.feetofthecounty owned Veteran’s Hall in order for the exhibition of Northern California art.

Las Senoras:TheLasSenorasofChicoisanon-profitorganizationthatsecureddonations of objects for the mansion and has held special fundraising events. Although the organization no longer contributes much interpretation or fundraising, they attend public meetings and continue to provide input regarding the direction of the park.

Campus Tree Tours: Tree tours of the CSUC campus begin on the park grounds. These tours are scheduled primarily through the CSU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and are typically led by a retired CSUC biology professor. Other tours are advertised for general public participation.

A tree tour begins at BMSHP.


Other Potential Interpretive Partners

California State University, Chico – Including Special Collections, History, Education, and Recreation departments, etc.

Butte Community College

City of Chico – Including the Chamber of Commerce and the Chico Area Recreation District (CARD)

Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria

Butte County Historical Society

Butte County Library

Other California State Parks

Other Interpretive Providers

Introduction to table

The following “Other Interpretive Providers” table shows other possible collaborators with Bidwell Mansion SHP for programs, events or shared resources. These collaborators are either within the Northern Buttes District or are approximately within a 50 mile radiusofBidwellMansionSHP.Theseidentifiedproviderswouldalsopossiblydrawvisitors with similar interests.


Oth

er In

terp

reti

ve P

rovi

ders

InterpretiveProvider

Location

Connectionto

BMSHP

CulturalProgra

msScie

nceEd.

EnvironmentalEd ServiceLearning OutdoorRecre

ation

Possible Collaboratio

n

Calif

orni

a St

ate

Park

s an

d N

atio

nal P

arks

Mal

akof

f D

iggi

ns

Stat

e H

isto

ric

Park

Nev

ada

City

John

Bid

wel

l tes

tifi

ed a

s an

exp

ert

wit

ness

in t

he c

ase

agai

nst

a hy

drau

lic m

inin

g co

mpa

ny w

hich

eff

ecti

vely

en

ded

hydr

alui

c m

inin

g in

Cal

ifor

nia.

Com

pari

son

of h

is

expe

rien

ce t

o th

e M

alak

off

Dig

gins

may

be

mad

e.

x

x

xSh

ared

exh

ibit

s,

livin

g hi

stor

y

Empi

re M

ine

Stat

e H

isto

ric

Park

Gra

ss V

alle

yFo

rmer

gol

d ru

sh e

ra m

ine.

Joh

n Bi

dwel

l mad

e hi

s fi

rst

fort

une

in g

old,

so

Empi

re S

tate

Min

e w

ould

giv

e vi

sito

rs a

goo

d id

ea o

f go

ld r

ush

hist

ory.

xx

Spea

ker

seri

es,

shar

ed e

xhib

its,

sc

hool

pro

gram

s,

livin

g hi

stor

y

Will

iam

B.

Ide

Adob

e St

ate

His

tori

c Pa

rkRe

d Bl

uff

Both

Joh

n Bi

dwel

l and

Will

iam

Ide

wer

e in

volv

ed in

the

Be

ar F

lag

Revo

ltx

xx

Shar

ed e

xhib

its,

gol

dsc

hool

pro

gram

, liv

ing

hist

ory

Calif

orni

a St

ate

Park

s an

d N

atio

nal P

arks


Oth

er In

terp

reti

ve P

rovi

ders


Location

Connectionto

BMSHP

CulturalProgra

msScie

nceEd.


ation


n

Bidw

ell-

Sacr

amen

toRi

ver

Stat

e Pa

rkCh

ico

The

Bidw

ell L

andi

ng w

as p

art

of J

ohn

Bidw

ell's

Ran

cho.

O

rigi

nal p

ark

land

was

giv

en b

y An

nie

Bidw

ell.

xx

xx

Out

door

pro

gram

s,

natu

re w

alks

Lake

Oro

ville

Vi

sito

r Ce

nter

and

Bi

dwel

l Bar

Boa

t La

unch

Are

a

Oro

ville

John

Bid

wel

l sta

rted

his

gol

d m

inin

g op

erat

ion

at a

pl

ace

late

r na

med

Bid

wel

l Bar

. Th

e th

rivi

ng m

inin

g ca

mp

prov

ided

the

inco

me

Bidw

ell n

eede

d to

pur

chas

e Ra

ncho

del

Arr

oyo

Chic

o. T

he o

nce

flou

rish

ing

tow

n,

now

res

ts a

t th

e bo

ttom

of

Lake

Oro

ville

. Th

e hi

stor

ic

Bidw

ell B

ar s

uspe

nsio

n br

idge

was

rel

ocat

ed t

o th

e Bi

dwel

l Bar

Boa

t La

unch

are

a.

xx

xx

xSh

ared

exh

ibit

s,

Mai

du s

choo

l pr

ogra

m

Shas

ta S

tate

H

isto

ric

Park

Shas

ta

The

Tow

n of

Sha

sta,

kno

wn

as C

alif

orni

a’s

nort

hern

m

inin

g di

stri

ct,

once

sto

od o

n th

e si

te o

f th

is p

ark.

John

Bid

wel

l's f

rien

d Pi

erso

n B.

Rea

ding

was

a p

ione

er

and

the

firs

t pe

rson

to

disc

over

gol

d in

the

Sha

sta

area

. Re

adin

g's

daug

hter

, Al

ice

Read

ing

pain

ted

the

port

rait

s of

Joh

n an

d An

nie

that

han

g in

the

Bid

wel

l Man

sion

.

x

Shar

ed e

xhib

its,

sp

eake

r se

ries

, go

ld

rush

sch

ool p

rogr

am,

outd

oor

natu

re

prog

ram

s

Wea

verv

ille

Joss

H

ouse

Sta

te

His

tori

c Pa

rkW

eave

rvill

e

Wea

verv

ille

Joss

Hou

se r

efle

cts

the

stro

ng p

rese

nce

of

the

Chin

ese

in e

arly

nor

ther

n Ca

lifor

nia

com

mun

itie

s.

The

area

's Ch

ines

e co

mm

unit

y, a

nd t

he f

requ

ent

dist

rupt

ions

of

anti

-Chi

nese

agi

tati

on,

play

ed a

si

gnif

ican

t ro

le in

the

his

tory

of

the

Bidw

ells

. Bi

dwel

l w

as a

n em

ploy

er o

f Ch

ines

e an

d an

opp

onen

t of

ant

i-Ch

ines

e se

ntim

ents

.

xSh

ared

exh

ibit

s,

spea

ker

seri

es


Oth

er In

terp

reti

ve P

rovi

ders


Location

Connectionto

BMSHP

CulturalProgra

msScie

nceEd.


ation


n

Lass

en V

olca

nic

Nat

iona

l Par

kM

iner

al

John

and

Ann

ie B

idw

ell w

ent

on a

cam

ping

tri

p to

La

ssen

Par

k w

ith

John

Mui

r. A

nnie

was

aliv

e to

wit

ness

th

e 19

15 e

rupt

ion.

Joh

n su

mm

ited

Las

sen

Peak

in h

is

70s.

Joh

n al

so k

new

Pet

er L

asse

n, t

he n

ames

ake

of t

he

peak

.

xx

xx

Spea

ker

seri

es

Gat

eway

Sci

ence

M

useu

mCh

ico

Ow

ned

and

oper

ated

by

CSU

C, t

he G

atew

ay’s

pe

rman

ent

colle

ctio

n in

clud

es s

ever

al it

ems

wit

h so

me

conn

ecti

on t

o th

e Bi

dwel

ls.

The

Gat

eway

occ

asio

nally

al

so h

osts

tem

pora

ry e

xhib

its

that

tou

ch o

n th

emes

si

mila

r to

tho

se a

t BM

SHP.

x

xSc

hool

pro

gram

s

Kids

and

Cre

eks

Chic

o

Kids

and

Cre

eks

is g

eare

d to

war

d sc

ient

ific

edu

cati

on

rega

rdin

g w

ater

shed

s an

d w

ater

shed

hab

itat

s; t

he

Bidw

ell M

ansi

on's

loca

tion

alo

ng B

ig C

hico

Cre

ek w

ould

be

a n

atur

al e

xten

sion

of

that

edu

cati

on.

xx

xN

atur

e pr

ogra

ms

and

scho

ol p

rogr

ams

Oth

er L

ocal

Att

ract

ions


Oth

er In

terp

reti

ve P

rovi

ders


Location

Connectionto

BMSHP

CulturalProgra

msScie

nceEd.


ation


n

Big

Chic

o Cr

eek

Ecol

ogic

al R

eser

veCh

ico

The

rese

rve

is lo

cate

d on

3,9

50 a

cres

of

dive

rse

cany

on

and

ridg

e ha

bita

ts,

incl

udin

g 4.

5 m

iles

of B

ig C

hico

Cr

eek.

Thi

s na

tura

l env

iron

men

t is

sim

ilar

to w

hat

exis

ted

whe

n Jo

hn B

idw

ell f

irst

arr

ived

in C

hico

. Bo

th

rese

rve

and

Man

sion

are

loca

ted

alon

g Bi

g Ch

ico

Cree

k an

d ar

e w

ithi

n M

aidu

ter

rito

ry.

xx

xx

xN

atur

e pr

ogra

ms,

ou

tdoo

r w

alks

, an

d sc

hool

pro

gram

s

Chic

o Cr

eek

Nat

ure

Cent

erCh

ico

The

Chic

o Cr

eek

Nat

ure

Cent

er is

the

gat

eway

and

of

fici

al in

form

atio

n ce

nter

for

the

cit

y of

Chi

co's

Bidw

ell P

ark.

The

ori

gina

l lan

d fo

r th

e pa

rk w

as

dona

ted

by A

nnie

Bid

wel

l to

the

city

of

Chic

o. T

he

Cent

er in

clud

es t

he F

ores

try

Stat

ion

that

Joh

n Bi

dwel

l do

nate

d la

nd f

or in

188

8, e

xper

imen

tal t

rees

, an

d Ce

dar

Gro

ve h

isto

rica

l lan

dmar

k. C

CNC

also

con

duct

s sc

hool

pro

gram

s.

xx

xx

xSc

hool

pro

gram

s,

shar

ed e

xhib

its,

sp

eake

r se

ries

Chic

o M

useu

mCh

ico

The

Chic

o M

useu

m h

as e

xhib

its

rela

ted

to J

ohn

Bidw

ell,

co

nsid

erin

g hi

s ce

ntra

l rol

e in

fou

ndin

g th

e to

wn.

Man

y of

the

ir r

otat

ing

exhi

bits

als

o re

late

to

the

Bidw

ells

and

othe

r pa

rk t

hem

es.

x

Sh

ared

exh

ibit

s

Stan

sbur

y H

ouse

Chic

o

The

hom

e's

orig

inal

ow

ner,

Dr.

Sta

nsbu

ry,

was

a

cont

empo

rary

of

John

Bid

wel

l. J

ohn'

s di

arie

s in

dica

te

that

Sta

nsbu

ry w

as o

ne o

f se

vera

l doc

tors

tha

t Jo

hn

visi

ted.

The

hom

e is

a s

imila

r, b

ut v

ery

dist

inct

ex

ampl

e of

loca

l Vic

tori

an a

rchi

tect

ure.

x

Shar

ed e

xhib

its,

sp

eake

r se

ries

, liv

ing

hist

ory


Oth

er In

terp

reti

ve P

rovi

ders


Location

Connectionto

BMSHP

CulturalProgra

msScie

nceEd.


ation


n

Vale

ne L

. Sm

ith

Anth

ropo

logy

Mus

eum

Chic

oPa

rt o

f CS

UC,

thi

s is

a m

useu

m s

how

casi

ng h

isto

rica

l an

d an

thro

polo

gica

l art

ifac

ts.

Past

exh

ibit

ions

hav

e in

clud

ed d

ispl

ays

on Is

hi a

nd lo

cal I

ndia

n ar

tifa

cts.

xx

Scho

ol p

rogr

ams,

sh

ared

exh

ibit

s,

spea

ker

seri

es

Patr

ick

Ranc

hD

urha

mA

pres

erve

d an

d op

erat

ed h

isto

ric

loca

l ran

ch,

orig

inal

lyow

ned

by c

onte

mpo

rari

es o

f th

e Bi

dwel

ls.

Patr

ick

Ranc

h in

clud

es e

xhib

its

abou

t lo

cal a

gric

ultu

re.

xx

Scho

ol p

rogr

ams,

sp

eake

r se

ries

, sh

ared

exh

ibit

s,

livin

g hi

stor

y

Dep

ot M

useu

mPa

radi

seRa

ilroa

d an

d Lo

ggin

g hi

stor

y, J

ohn

Bidw

ell f

requ

entl

y cl

ashe

d w

ith

the

railr

oad

mag

nate

s. A

ssoc

iate

d w

ith

the

Gol

d N

ugge

t M

useu

m.

xSp

eake

r se

ries

, sh

ared

exh

ibit

s

Gol

d N

ugge

t M

useu

mPa

radi

seTh

e G

old

Nug

get

Mus

eum

con

cent

rate

s on

life

dur

ing

the

1850

s, t

he g

old

rush

, an

d th

e M

aidu

, al

l of

whi

ch

over

lap

wit

h m

ajor

the

mes

of

the

Bidw

ell M

ansi

on.

x

x

Mai

du s

choo

l pr

ogra

m


Oth

er In

terp

reti

ve P

rovi

ders


Location

Connectionto

BMSHP

CulturalProgra

msScie

nceEd.


ation


n

Pion

eer

Mem

oria

l M

useu

mO

rovi

lleLa

rge

colle

ctio

n of

180

0s g

old

rush

and

Indi

an a

rtif

acts

, in

clud

ing

a cl

ock

from

Bid

wel

l's B

ar.

Sim

ilar

them

es,

coul

d sh

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5 Visitation and Visitor UseSeveral key factors need to be considered before undertaking major interpretive

projects. This section provides data concerning several facets of park visitation, including park access, general visitor makeup, visitor experiences, visitor responses, and current and potential user groups.

Visitation Data

In order to discern the needed information regarding visitors, BMSHP conducted a visitor surveybetweenAugustandNovember2013.Atotalofninety-fiverespondentstookpartin this survey, which shed light on the general makeup and experience of park visitors. Thissurveyisinnowaydefinitiveand,therefore,theconclusionsinthissectionalsomakeuseofofficialCSPreportingdocuments,stakeholdermeetings,andinformalinformation collected by park staff.

Visitor Access and Orientation

Park Information

The public learns about BMSHP through several means. The majority of guests cite word of mouth as their primary source of learning about the park. This includes suggestions from family and friends, recommendations from other State Parks and nearby interpretive providers, or information gathered from time spent living in the area. Websites provide the next most frequent method of visitor information. Controlled web information includes a State Parks page maintained through parks.ca.gov, and a Facebook page updated by park staff. A website run by the Bidwell Mansion Association also includes visitation information about the park. Information available online that is not provided under CSP direction includes sites such as AAA, various hotels, and regional tourism organizations. Most of these sites contact the park in order to maintain current information, but there are several that provide out of date or wrong information that canbeconfusingforvisitors.VisitorshavealsonotedfindinginformationfromStateParks literature or tourism guidebooks that list the park.

Park Access

Vehicles can access the park via the entrance and parking lot connected to the Esplanade. The entrance is not closed or gated and is always accessible. Signs posted on Highway 99 and throughout Chico cue drivers to the park’s location and direct them to the entrance, with varying degrees of success. Visitors are prompted to exit at 1st Avenue, but for those travelling south there is no directional signage telling them what direction to turn at the bottom of the off-ramp. Visitors traveling south on the Esplanade or crossing westbound from Memorial Way can easily turn into the park and are guided for the most part by clear signage. However, directional signage is missing at the key intersection of 1st Avenue and the Esplanade. Visitors traveling north on the Esplanade,comingfromdowntownChico,oftenencounterdifficultieswhentryingto


reach the park entrance. There is no left hand turn directly from the Esplanade into the park entrance. Visitors must make a left onto W. Frances Willard Avenue and then make another immediate left onto a frontage street that runs parallel to the Esplanade and leads to the park entrance. The signage is confusing and visitors often end up lost in the residential neighborhoods surrounding W. Frances Willard Avenue. Taken together, the signage directing visitors to the Mansion is at best inconsistent, and at worse ineffective.

The parking lot consists of thirty parking spaces, two of which are designated for handicapped parking. BMSHP spaces are marked “Bidwell Mansion Parking Only”. CSUC buildings, primarily the Gateway Science Museum, and parking are also accessed through the same entrance. This creates a certain level of ambiguity for guests as to where to park. People accessing the university often park in BMSHP spaces. During high use days at the park, this can lead to a shortage of parking spaces for visitors. A designated space exists for bus parking. The lines and writing on the ground has all fadedsignificantlyandisdifficulttoread.

Vehicles also pass through the park via Sol-Wil-Le-No Avenue, which runs through the south end of the park and connects to the Esplanade and Arcadian Avenue. This road provides no parking or vehicle access to the park.

The park is also open to pedestrians and cyclists. These visitors can enter and exit the park from the primary entrance off the Esplanade, from the CSUC campus bordering the park to the west, and from downtown Chico via a bridge over Big Chico Creek. Apavedbike/pedestrianpathrunsthroughtheparkeasttowest.ItbeginsattheEsplanade entrance, runs through the park between the mansion and the Visitor Center, and continues onto campus. The park sits atop a heavily used thoroughfare for people entering or exiting the CSUC campus or downtown Chico.

Visitor Orientation

A large sign reading “Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park” greets visitors entering the park from the Esplanade. As guests unload from the parking lot they are greeted with a clear view of the mansion, visitor center, and most of the park. A newly updated sign clearly marks the Visitor Center. An interpretive marquee posted outside the Visitor Center displays information regarding tour times and prices and has a space for advertising upcoming events. Free BMSHP brochures are available next to the marquee and are available to the public even when the park is closed.

When it is open, the majority of guests begin their visit in the Visitor Center. Some guests go straight to the mansion and are directed back to the Visitor Center for tours by a sign on the front door. However, this is the only sign directing guests to the visitor center, and it is often missed. In the Visitor Center, park staff or volunteers welcome guests, provide any needed orientation, and answer any questions the public may have. When the Visitor Center is not open, most guests view the marquee and then make their way to other areas of the park. CSP staff occasionally interact with visitors on the grounds in the course of other activities and provide orientation or engage in informal interpretation.


A paved circular driveway leads from the bike path to the front of the mansion, but is blocked off to vehicles by removable bollards. A brick path also leads to the carriage shed, the rear of the house, and provides ADA access to the mansion. Besides these pathways,therearenospecificcirculationroutesortrails.

Visitor Profile

Local Demographic Sketch

Bidwell Mansion SHP is located in the city of Chico in Butte County. According to 2010 Census national data, Butte County has a population of 220,000. Approximately 5% of the county’s population is under 5 years of age, 20.3% is under 18 years of age, and 16.7% is over 65 years of age. Women account for 50.4% of Butte County’s population.

The largest ethnic group inside Butte County is white, comprising 87% of the county’s population. Approximately 2% of Butte County residents identify as black or African American, 2.4% identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, 4.4% identify as Asian, 0.3%identifyasNativeHawaiianorPacificIslanderand15.1%identifyasHispanicorLatino.

According to 2010 census data, the median yearly household income in Butte County is $43,339.

Approximately 86 % of Butte County residents aged 25 or older have obtained a high school degree; 24% of residents aged 25 years or older have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher.

According to the 2010 census data, the city of Chico has an estimated population of 88,077 residents . Approximately 5% of Chico residents are under 5 years old; 19.5% are under 18 years old, and 10.6% are over 65 years old. Women account for 50.4% of the Chico population. Chico is a college town, with CSUC having approximately 15,375 full time equivalent students enrolled for the fall 2013 academic semester – accounting for approximately 17.5% of the town’s population.

The largest ethnic group in Chico is white, comprising 80.8% of the city’s population. Approximately 2% of Chico residents identify as black or African American, 1.4% identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, 4.2% identify as Asian, 0.2% identify as Native HawaiianorPacificIslander,and15.4%identifyasHispanicorLatino.

According to 2010 census data, the median yearly household income in Chico is $42,896 ThecityofChicoEconomicDevelopmentOfficereportsthat34.88%ofChicoresidentshave an annual income of less than $35,000. 26.89% of residents have an annual income between $35,000 - $50,000, 17.2% have an annual income between $50,000 - $75,000, 9% have an annual income between $75,000 and $100,000, and 11.9% have an annual income above $100,000.

Approximately 91% of Chico residents aged 25 or older have obtained a high school degree; 33.2% of residents aged 25 years or older have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher.


Visitor Demographic Sketch1

CSPattendancefiguresfromthepasttenyearsreportanaverageannualattendanceof more than 40,000 visitors. Of these, an annual average of around 9,500 attended paid interpretive programs. When free interpretive attendees and an estimate of those who may have gone unrecorded are included, well over 10,000 people annually take part in organized interpretive opportunities at BMSHP. The remaining number of visitors includes intentional visitors who take part in non-interpretive activities such as sight-seeing, photography, and picnics, as well as casual visitors who stumble upon the park orwhobrieflystopattheparkontheirwayintotownandcampus.

The park survey revealed that 27% of survey respondents come from Chico and the surrounding Butte County area. Many others are visiting local residents and visit either with locals or on their recommendation. About 80% of survey respondents came from California, but visitors also came from various other states, as well as foreign countries such as Australia, Korea, and France.

Only 29% of survey respondents listed the park as their primary destination. Therefore, in most instances visitors are stopping at the mansion as part of a larger itinerary. The majority, 87.4% of those surveyed, came to the mansion with family or friends. Only a small number came alone or as part of an outing or commercial tour. Most guests are visitingtheparkforthefirsttime,includingabout70%ofthosesurveyed.

As revealed in the survey, most visitors are older, with 58% of those recorded being 45yearsorolder.Intermsofethnicity,77.9%ofrespondentsidentifiedthemselvesasWhite, 6.3% as Hispanic, 3.2% as Asian, 3.2% as American Indian, 2.1% as Black, and 7.4% as “Other” or “Declined to State”. Many visitors have a relatively high level of education with 38.9% of those surveyed having completed an undergraduate degree and 33.7% having completed a graduate degree. 20% of respondents reported an annual household income of greater than $80,000.

ThevastmajorityofvisitorsspeakEnglish,eitherasanativelanguageorfluently.Ofvisitors who do not speak English, Spanish is the most common language encountered. Many foreign students of Japanese and Korean origin visit the mansion from CSUC and have a basic level of English comprehension. Other languages encountered include French, German, Mandarin, and Arabic.

Visitor Expectations and Experiences

Most visitors to BMSHP can be considered casual visitors with no special interest in John and Annie Bidwell or the history of the mansion. Only 5.3% of survey respondents considered themselves to have known a great deal about the Bidwells prior to their visit. Most responded that they had little to no prior knowledge.

Most visitors to BMSHP cite the guided tours of the mansion as their primary reason for visiting. Visitors expressed interest in topics covered in existing interpretive opportunities, including the history of the home, nature, the Mechoopda Indians, and

1 See Appendix D for more complete survey data.


the history of the Victorian Era.

Overall, visitors voiced a high degree of satisfaction with their experience at the park. The majority of survey respondents reported an increased level of interest in the Bidwells following their visit. Guests particularly highlight the high competency of the tour guides as a major reason for their positive experience.

Visitors expressed an interest in learning more about certain topics via means other than the regular guided tours. These suggestions include guest speakers, living history programs, demonstrations, and specialty tours. Guests also suggested more interactive displays and material oriented towards younger audiences.

Current User Groups

ThefollowingaresomeofthemostcommonidentifiedusergroupstoBMSHP:

Family and Friend Groups:Themajorityofvisitorsattendedtheparkwithand/oronthe recommendation of family or friends.

School Groups: These are school groups who are attending one of the specially designed school tours or programs offered at the park. Classes are primarily 3rd and 4th grade, although some middle and high school groups attend as well.

College Groups: Many students will visit the park as part of classes held at CSUC and Butte College. Several geography classes require students to visit the park and several history instructors offer extra credit to students who attend a guided tour. Many foreign students visit the park as part of their English immersion program. Recreation classes have also taken special tours in order to see examples of historic interpretation.

Nature Enthusiasts: The exotic historic trees of the park attract numerous visitors. These visitors may attend a guided tour, but they may also self-tour the grounds or attend talks held on the grounds by CSUC staff or local experts.

Special Group Tours: These are organized groups who reserve a tour or activity at the park. These groups include senior groups, social organizations, and businesses and many are travelling from outside of the Butte County area. In the 2013 calendar year, seventeen of these groups visited BMSHP.

Photographers: Bidwell Mansion is a popular location for both amateur and professional photographers. The mansion is especially popular for engagement, wedding, and quinceañera photo sessions.

Artists: Many artists use the mansion as a subject for their works. Plein air painters often set up on the lawn in order to paint the home. Several organized painting events have been held at the park.


Missing or Potential User Groups

Visitors in Transit: This group consists of people who are passing through the park on their way to other locations. This includes cyclists, joggers, and roller bladers who spend very little time in the park. This is a large pool of potential interpretive attendees who are currently missed.

Geocachers: One active geocache is located on the property and is visited at least once a month. This cache was not placed by CSP staff. If BMSHP were to maintain a cache it could provide an opportunity for interpretation.

Hispanic: The Hispanic population of the city of Chico is 15.4% and 15.1% for Butte County. Hispanic visitors accounted for only 6.3% of visitors according to our survey. This population is underserved, and considering John’s important involvement in Mexican California there is a cultural link that allows for many opportunities to increase the visitation of this group.

Asian: The Asian population of the city of Chico is 4.2% and 4.4% for Butte County. Asian visitors accounted for 3.2% of visitors according to our survey. This population is slightly underserved and considering the historical involvement of Asians with the Bidwells, there are many opportunites to increase visitation for this population group.


6 Summary of AnalysisAnalysisofthecurrentstatusofinterpretationidentifiedseveralissues.Thereis

a great need for consistency, continuity, improvement, and updating regarding programs,staffing,procedures,andadministrativesystemsinordertoensureinterpretive readiness. The visitor experience is relatively good, but there is a great deal of room for improvement. Visitor communication, marketing, and orientation especially need improvement.

Furthermore, there is a want for more variety in interpretive offerings and improved follow-up opportunities. There are many potential park visitors who go un-served every year,andtheparkneedstofindwaysofexpandingandincreasingitsaudience.Hispanicand Asian visitors are a little underserved according to county and city data as related to our visitor survey. Special programs and outreach would help to attract and diversify our audience. The mansion can begin meeting these needs by improving organization, updating materials, and taking a more intentional, focused approach to interpretation. Interestingly, the aveage education and income of our visitors exceeds both the county and city averages. Appealing to this demographic through the utilization of new technology has a high potential for improving interpretive readiness, both personal and non-personal interpretation, visitor orientation, and visitor follow up.

Overall,currentinterpretationissuccessful,butcouldbesignificantlyexpandedand improved by utilizing a greater variety of interpretive platforms and increased interpretation focusing on the park’s secondary themes. Non-personal interpretation is particularly vital in meeting the future needs of the park, and, therefore, requires significantimprovement.


7 Interpretive DirectionMission, Purpose, and Vision Statements

California State Parks Mission Statement

To provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

California State Parks Interpretive Mission Statement

Interpretation is a special form of communication that helps people understand, appreciate, and emotionally connect with the rich natural and cultural heritage preserved in parks. It is the mission of interpretation in California State Parks to convey messages that initially will help visitors value their experience, and that ultimately will foster a conservation ethic and promote a dedicated park constituency.

California State Parks Educational Mission Statement

The most powerful forms of education are meaningful, involve the student, promote critical thinking, and appeal to different learning styles. Our mission is to provide educational experiences both in California State Parks and in the classroom, assisting educators with curriculum needs and offering activities that enable students to investigate, research, and participate in interactive learning.

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Declaration of Purpose

The purpose of the Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, located in the City of Chico, is to provide for the people an opportunity to view the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Bidwell, and to understand the contributions they made to the social, cultural and economic heritage of California by making available to present and future generations the Bidwell home, an outstanding example of Victorian era architecture.

The function of the Department of Parks and Recreation at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park is to foster the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of the Bidwell home, and to develop interpretive displays depicting the personalities and events associated with this structure and the surrounding historical sites.


Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Mission for Interpretation

The interpretive mission of BMSHP is to create for current and future generations a deeper awareness and understanding of the lives of John and Annie Bidwell and their important contributions to the social, cultural, and economic heritage of California. The park provides a tangible connection between the past and the present by making available the Bidwell’s historic home and by creating and presenting high quality interpretation.

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Vision for Interpretation

BMSHP will utilize trained staff and volunteers, a variety of methods, new technology, and up-to-date research to develop high quality interpretation that fosters a sense of appreciation, stewardship, and a desire to learn more about the lives and legacies of John and Annie Bidwell.

Both the Bidwell Mansion SHP Mission for Interpretation and Vision for Interpretation were created for this plan with public input.

Interpretive Goals and Guidelines

Goals and Guidelines do not exist in any meaningful form in the General Plan. Goals have been drafted for the purposes of this document, and can be found in Chapter 8.

Interpretive Themes and Periods

Definitions

Interpretive Theme: An interpretive theme is a succint, central message, phased in the form of a complete sentance, about a topic of interest that a communicator wants to get across to an audience.

Unifying Theme: A unifying (or overall) theme provides a conceptual focus and general approach for the interpretive offerings. It establishes the overall tone and direction and implies the desired outcome interpretation should have on visitors’ attitudes and perspectives. The unifying theme is presented through the interpretation of the primary, secondary, and supporting themes.

Primary Theme:Primarythemesdefinethemostessentialideasoftheunifyingthemeto tell a complete story.

Secondary Theme: Secondary themes provide valuable, but nonessential information related to the unifying and primary themes. Secondary themes may be only tangentially related to the unifying theme.

Supporting Themes: Supporting themes provide more detailed perspectives on one or more of the primary themes.


Interpretive Themes

Unifying Theme:

BMSHP connects visitors to the lives and legacies of John and Annie Bidwell, the world in which they lived, and their contributions to the social, cultural, and economic heritage of California.

Primary Themes:

JohnandAnnieBidwellareimportantfiguresfortheentirestateofCalifornia, not just for the city of Chico.

JohnandAnnieBidwellmadesignificantcontributionstothesocialheritage of California.

JohnandAnnieBidwellmadesignificantcontributionstotheculturalheritage of California.

JohnandAnnieBidwellmadesignificantcontributionstotheeconomicheritage of California.

Secondary Themes:

TheBidwellMansionisasignificantexampleofItalianVillaarchitecture.

The Mechoopda Maidu Indians are a vital part of our history and their relationship with the Bidwells proved important for both parties.

Thelocalnaturalenvironmenthasundergoneasignificanttransformationsince the early 1800s.

The Bidwells maintained complex and important relationships with many of the region’s cultural groups.

Interpretive Periods

The primary interpretive period for BMSHP is 1841-1918. This represents the period from the year in which John Bidwell came to California, through the major events of his life, and up to the death of Annie Bidwell.

People and events before and after those dates that relate to BMSHP should also be interpreted, but should be given less emphasis. This could include the early life of John Bidwell, the lives and world of the Mechoopda Maidu before contact, the various uses of the mansion following Annie’s death, and many other subjects as they relate to the park’s interpretive themes.

The interpretive period for Bidwell Mansion is 1868-1900. This ranges from the completion of the mansion through the death of John Bidwell. During that time the mansion remained relatively unchanged. After John’s death the building underwent several major structural changes.


Educational Framework and Standards

BMSHP adheres to California State Parks’ mandate to align educational programs with California Department of Education Frameworks and Standards. School programs are aimed towards 3rd and 4th grade level history and social science content standards as these standards correlate with the park’s interpretive themes.1 These programs allow students to learn about California and local history in a place-based setting. This fact, coupled with the programs’ traditional hands-on approach, pertains to various learning styles and complements classroom instruction of history and social sciences.

BMSHP is also mandated by the California Education Code and the California Public Resources Code to incorporate Environmental Principles and Concepts outlined in the California Education and Environment Initiative (EEI) curriculum into all K-12 environmental education related materials. Common Core standards have replaced the old state standards in Math and English Language Arts and are also mandated for California education. Natural History programs will be aligned with the new Next Generation Science Standards that have replaced the 1990s science standards. BMSHP staff are exploring how to incorporate these principles and concepts into current and future programs.

1 See Appendix B for a list of relevant content standards.


8 Recommendations

The Recommendations section presents solutions for improving, enhancing and expanding interpretive services and operations at Bidwell Mansion State Historic

Park. These solutions are stated in the form of Goals, Objectives, Strategies, and Tasks. Together, these elements provide the road map that will guide the development of future interpretive programs and services.

Terminology:

Goals – Goals build off the vision and mission statements of California State Parks and Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. Goals are broad, general concepts that describe the ultimate purpose, aim, or intent of interpretation at the park. Goals are not necessarily measurable. They are the big picture, the overall results the interpretation should achieve.

Objectives – Objectivesarespecific,realistic,andmeasurableresultsthatinterpretation will achieve and that contribute to the accomplishment of a goal.

Strategies – Strategies are the approaches used to accomplish one or more objectives. Strategiesarespecificandmeasurable.

Tasks – Tasksarethespecificstepsneededtocarryoutparticularstrategies.TheInterpretation Action Plan (IAP) organizes the tasks under the goals, objectives and strategies.


Goal 1 – Visitors: The focus of interpretation will remain on visitors and their experience.

• 1.1: Objective – Access – BMSHP and its interpretive opportunities will be accessible to all visitors.

o 1.1.1: Develop, and make available, non-English interpretive material.

o 1.1.2: Make all events, programs, and areas of the grounds accessible.

o 1.1.3: Provide for basic visitor comforts and amenities.

• 1.2: Objective – Orientation – Park staff and infrastructure will properly orient and direct visitors to interpretive opportunities.

o 1.2.1: Improve park orientation signage

o 1.2.2: Develop and implement orientation tools utilizing mobile technology.

• 1.3: Objective – Hospitality – BMSHP and staff will foster an atmosphere of hospitality that creates a sense of interest and anticipation for interpretive opportunities.

o 1.3.1: Prepare staff and volunteers to provide exceptional visitor service.

o 1.3.2: Increase interaction with visitors throughout the park grounds.

• 1.4: Objective – Feedback – BMSHP will seek out and appropriately respond to visitor feedback.

o 1.4.1: Identify and utilize effective methods of surveying park visitors.

o 1.4.2: Utilize internet resources to elicit public feedback and communication.

o 1.4.3: Establish methods for staff response to feedback.


• 1.5: Objective – Promotion/Advertising – BMSHP will pursue and maintain effective strategies for promotion and advertisement of the park in order to attract visitors.

o 1.5.1: Maintain regular presence on electronic media, such as the park’s website and Facebook page.

o 1.5.2: Distribute Brochures to other local areas of interest.

o 1.5.3: Implement strategies to encourage grassroots advertising.

o 1.5.4: Expand promotion and advertising to include regions outside of local area.


Goal 2 – Partnership: BMSHP will foster beneficial and collaborative relationships with organizations and with the community at large.

• 2.1: Objective – Support – BMSHP will create and maintain positive relationships with entities in order to support and further park operations.

o 2.1.1: Work with other entities for the purposes of fund raising for park interpretation.

o 2.1.2: Work with other entities in order to advance the park’s volunteer corps.

• 2.2: Objective – Collaboration – Create a positive open relationship with other entities for the purpose of creating interpretive opportunities.

o 2.2.1: Work with other local interpretive providers.

o 2.2.2: Work with other existing community organizations and events.

o 2.2.3: Utilize BMA volunteer circle to assist with events and programs.

• 2.3: Objective – Media – Create an open and positive relationship with media sources in order to promote the park and interpretive opportunities.

o 2.3.1: Designate a single staff member to coordinate media interactions.

o 2.3.2: Reach out to various media personnel to increase their awareness and connection to BMSHP.

o 2.3.3: Regularly utilize media resources.


Goal 3 – Operations: BMSHP will put in place structures and procedures that will maintain readiness for interpretation at the park.

• 3.1: Objective – Staff – In order to maintain high quality interpretation, BMSHP should ensure an appropriate level of staff and training.

o 3.1.1: Review, update, and improve interpretive training materials.

o 3.1.2: Better establish formal and informal review of interpretive staff.

o 3.1.3: Hold regular staff meetings.

o 3.1.4: Conduct regular evaluation of staff needs.

o 3.1.5: Ensure opportunities for all staff to attend training conducted by CSP and other entities.

• 3.2: Objective – Volunteers – BMSHP will maintain and grow a dedicated corps of volunteers to assist and supplement staff in interpretation.

o 3.2.1: Designate a dedicated volunteer coordinator.

o 3.2.2: Develop formal training and orientation for volunteers.

o 3.2.3: Conduct regular formal evaluation and review of volunteers.

o 3.2.4: Develop formal methods of communicating with volunteers.

o 3.2.5: Advertise for needed volunteer positions.

o 3.2.6: Ensure regular formal volunteer recognition.

• 3.3: Objective – Collections – Acquire, protect, and interpret collections according to the SOCS and accepted museum protocols.

o 3.3.1: Increase staff awareness and understanding of collections.

o 3.3.2: Collaborate and coordinate with other collection institutions.

o 3.3.3: Better utilize Native American collection for interpretive purposes.

• 3.4: Objective – Facilities – Facilities will be organized and updated for the best advantage of interpretation.

o 3.4.1: Update, rearrange, rotate collection in mansion for interpretive freshness, based on curatorial guidelines.

o 3.4.2: Better utilize space in the mansion.

o 3.4.3: Remodel Visitor Center interpretive displays.

o 3.4.4: Expand, update, maintain equipment for in-house interpretation and


interpretive readiness.

o 3.4.5: Expand and improve in-house library resources.

o 3.4.6: Better organize interpretive storage space.

• 3.5: Objective – Research – Staff will conduct research and disseminate information to improve interpretive materials and programs.

o 3.5.1: Provide staff research opportunities at other institutions

o 3.5.2: Make research resources more easily accessible to staff.

o 3.5.3:Provideregularupdatesinresearchfindings.

• 3.6: Objective – Information – BMSHP will become a leading source for information about the Bidwells.

o 3.6.1: Develop methods for public access to research resources

o 3.6.2: Develop and maintain staff experience and expertise in research and specificsubjectmatter.

o 3.6.3: Advertise access to BMSHP’s library collection.

o 3.6.4: Explore opportunities for staff to participate in Bidwell related discussions.

• 3.7: Objective – Revenue – BMSHP will actively pursue revenue generatingopportunities,andoperationswillbeconductedinafiscallyresponsible manner.

o 3.7.1: Create more wedding, celebration, interpretive, and other special events.

o 3.7.2: Utilize more volunteers for events in order to offset staff requirements.

o 3.7.3:Createin-housefiscaltrackingandassessmentmethodsandutilizeCSPtracking mechanisms.

o 3.7.4: Expand advertisement and outreach.

• 3.8: Objective – Administration – BMSHP will develop and maintain park specificadministrativeproceduresandsystems.

o 3.8.1:Createaunifiedschedulingsystemforspecialtours,events,andschoolgroups.

o 3.8.2: Improve organization of front desk materials.

o 3.8.3:Createmethods/systemsforcirculatinginformationamongstaff.


Goal 4 – Connection, Inspiration, and Stewardship – Interpretation will connect visitors to the park’s important cultural, natural, and recreational resources and will foster a sense of inspiration and stewardship.

• 4.1: Objective – Mansion Tours – BMSHP will continue to provide historically accurate and provocative guided tours of Bidwell Mansion.

o 4.1.1: Ensure that tours will consistently focus around Primary Themes and Interpretation guidelines.

• 4.2: Objective – Schools – BMSHP will optimize educational opportunities for school-age children, and will instill a life-long appreciation for the Bidwells, their home, and lifestyles of the time period.

o 4.2.1: Improve school program organization.

o 4.2.2: Improve and expand educational materials.

• 4.3: Objective – Diverse Groups – BMSHP will increase interpretation focusing on historic cultural groups related to the Bidwell story.

o 4.3.1: Tie interpretation into larger group recognition events and times.

• 4.4: Objective – Experience – The visitor experience will be new and exciting and create a desire to return.

o 4.4.1: Staff should revisit tours for purpose of keeping tours fresh and relevant.

o 4.4.2: Incorporate new interpretive strategies and methods.

• 4.5: Objective – Agriculture – BMSHP will interpret the past and present importance of agriculture in California in general and the region specifically.

o 4.5.1: Highlight Bidwell’s contributions to California’s agricultural history.

o 4.52: Collaborate with local and regional agricultural associations and experts.

• 4.6: Objective – Response – BMSHP will create and advertise systems and opportunities for visitors to act on and follow up on their increased sense of inspiration and stewardship.

o 4.6.1: Provide means and opportunities for visitors to follow-up on their visit.


Goal 5 – Expand and Diversify – BMSHP will offer a variety of interpretive opportunities for a diversity of audiences.

• 5.1: Objective – Audience – BMSHP will design and hold interpretive opportunities that will appeal to diverse audiences.

o 5.1.1: Adapt interpretation to a variety of special groups.

o 5.1.2: Confer with trip leaders beforehand in order to better prepare and tailor programs for groups.

• 5.2: Objective – Children – Provide new Interpretive opportunities for children of all ages.

o 5.2.1: Increase interpretative opportunities for children throughout the year.

o 5.2.2: Interpretation will be presented in age appropriate formats.

• 5.3: Objective – Special Interpretation – BMSHP will create, advertise, and hold special interpretive opportunities.

o 5.3.1: Identify potential special interpretation opportunities and regularly revisit this list.

o 5.3.2: Identify outside community events that BMSHP can take part in.

o 5.3.3: Host traveling interpretive exhibits.

o 5.3.4: Employ a variety of interpretive methods

• 5.4: Objective – Non-Personal – Expand and improve non-personal interpretation in order to reach a wider segment of the public.

o 5.4.1: Update, improve, and create non-personal interpretation throughout grounds

• 5.5: Objective – Natural Resources – Natural Resource interpretation will be implemented at BMSHP.

o 5.5.1: Develop and offer natural resources themed interpretive opportunities.

o 5.5.2: Incorporate natural resource interpretation where appropriate into existing interpretive programs.

• 5.6: Objective – Special Events – Where appropriate, interpretation will be incorporated into non-interpretive special events held at the park.

o 5.6.1:DevelopspecificinterpretivematerialsforSpecialEvents.

o 5.6.2: Identify how interpretation can be incorporated into special events.


5.7: Objective – Technology – Interpretation will utilize new technology.

o 5.7.1: Update V.C. to include interactive displays.

o 5.7.2: Develop interpretive material for mobile applications.

o 5.7.3: Incorporate interpretation into new recreation technology.

o 5.7.4: Create park website and include interpretive aspects.


9 Interpretation Action PlanAnInterpretationActionPlan(IAP)isasupplementwhichprovidesguidanceforfulfillingthe

goals, objectives, and strategies outlined in the IMP. The IAP planning process at Bidwell Mansion SHP occurred in conjunction with the IMP planning process. Therefore, this IAP serves as a plan to implement the goals, objectives, strategies, and tasks to improve interpretation at BMSHP, is viable for the life of the IMP (20 years), and should be updated when necessary.

The IAP is organized into a matrix on the following pages and provides the following information:

Tasksbasedonstrategiesusedtofulfillobjectivesinpursuitofaccomplishingtheoverarching goal.

Estimated funding duration associated with each task.

Prioritylevelforeachtaskidentifiesanestimatedtimeframeforcompletion.

Responsible parties involved with each task.

Thespecialistcategoryistaskspecificandwoulddependonthescopeoftheproject, for example, archeologist, engineer, ecologist, etc.

HeadquarterscategoryencompassesIT,NorthernButtesDistrictoffice,NorthernService Center, Interpretation and Education Division, etc.

The“Other”categoryisalsotaskspecificandisverybroadtoincludemanydifferent entities and organizations which may help to complete a task. Examples are; volunteers, marketing staff, elementary schools, presenters, trainers, organizations, clubs, Mechoopda Maidu, CSUC, Butte Community College, Project Wet, Project Wild, etc.

The matrix is a user-friendly format for navigating the IAP. Each goal from the IMP is stated in the matrix. Objectives for each goal are abbreviated in the matrix and further broken down intothetasksdevelopedtofulfillthem.Eachtaskisgivenareferencenumbertosignifywhichgoal,objectiveandstrategyitisassociatedwith.Forexample,task1.5.2.Asignifiesthefirstgoal,fifthobjectiveunderthefirstgoal,secondstrategyunderthefifthobjectiveand“A”indicates the task under the second strategy. An asterisk (*) after the task indicates projects that are completed or are in process. Using the task reference number, the related goals, objectives and strategies may be referred to in their entirety in the Recommendations section of the IMP.

Approximate funding duration for each task is given using dollar signs in the “Funding Duration” column to symbolize a cost timeframe. One dollar sign symbol ($) indicates a onetimecostwhiletwosymbols($$)signifiesanongoingorlongtermcost.Fundingrangeshave not been assigned because of changing costs and technologies. A “P” in the “Cooperating Association” column indicates a proposal will be made to Bidwell Mansion Association (BMA) requesting funds or resources to complete a task.

Tasks are prioritized using a numbering scale of 1-3. High priority tasks are those prospectively able to be accomplished in the near-term given existing resources and are designated “1.” Priorities“2”and“3”consecutivelymayrequiremoretime,researchand/orresourcestoaccomplish. The time frames for priority numbers provided in Table A are estimates and are subject to change with availability of resources and support.


Table A. Priority

1 1-5 years2 5-10 years3 10-20 years

Table B. Funding Duration

$ One-time cost$$ Ongoing cost

* Projects in process or completed Fund

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Goal 1 – Visitors: The focus of interpreta-tion will remain on visitors and their expe-rience.1.1: Access

1.1.1.A Identify professional transla-tion services for creation of non-En-glish materials. Utilize community groups to provide review.

$$ 1 X X X X X

1.1.2.A Produce a more accessible and effective Americans with Disabil-ities Act (ADA) video tour.

$ 1 X X X

1.1.2.B Produce touchable models or objects for visitors with visual impair-ments.

$ 2 X X P

1.1.2.C Upgrade all videos with audio descriptions for visitors with visual impairments.

$ 2 X X X P X

1.1.2.D Adjust tours for visitors with visual or hearing impairments. $ 1 X X

1.1.3.A Install bike racks near Visitor Center to accommodate alternative transportation.

$ 1 X X X X

1.1.3.B Add additional benches. $ 1 X X X X1.2: Orientation

1.2.1.A Update front entrance sign from Esplanade.* $ 1 X X X

1.2.1.B Improve signage directing visitors from Highway 99. $ 2 X X X

1.2.1.C Improve orientation signage directing visitors from W. Frances Willard, northbound on Esplanade, and from E. 1st Ave.

$$ 2 X X X


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1.2.1.D Improve orientation signage inside the Visitor Center. $ 1 X X X X

1.2.1.E Improve orientation signage around mansion directing visitors to Visitor Center.

$ 1 X X X X X

1.2.2.A Utilize quick response (QR) codes with current park orientation and interpretive information.

$$ 1 X X P X

1.2.2.B Include updated orientation information on website e.g. hours, costs, etc.

$$ 1 X X X

1.3: Hospitality 1.3.1.A Review, update, and improve training and orientation in public relations and visitor services.*

$$ 1 X X X

1.3.1.B Establish formal protocols for handling visitor service issues. $$ 1 X X X

1.3.1.C Maintain materials/supplies for effective customer service. e.g. parking passes, maps, cash.

$$ 1 X X X X

1.3.2.A Implement planned roving interpretation.* $$ 1 X X P

1.3.2.B Utilize a volunteer greeter to welcome visitors on the grounds. $$ 1 X X X

1.4: Feedback 1.4.1.A Utilize the Visitor RAPPORT Survey for public feedback. $$ 1 X

1.4.1.B Develop a formal and gener-ic public survey as well as special surveys.

$$ 1 X X


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1.4.1.C Make surveys available in the Visitor Center, either with a hardcopy paper form or ideally with an elec-tronic form on a tablet or computer.

$$ 1 X X X

1.4.1.D Place a guest log book at front counter. * $ 1 X

1.4.2.A Designate a single staff mem-ber to coordinate internet feedback. $$ 1 X X

1.4.2.B Maintain and regularly up-date park Facebook page. * $$ 1 X X

1.4.2.C Include feedback capability on park websites. $$ 1 X X X X

1.4.3.A Supplement the formal staff training manual to include consistent guidelines and procedures for han-dling visitor feedback.

$$ 1 X X X

1.4.3.B Utilize a guide log book, to allow guides to share experiences, comments, and methods .

$$ 1 X

1.4.3.C Review and discuss visitor feedback at regular staff meetings.* $$ 1 X

1.5: Promotion/Advertising 1.5.1.A Designate a single staff member to regularly update park’s websites and Facebook page.

$$ 1 X X

1.5.2.A Identify, create and use a list of popular and effective locations for brochures.

$$ 1 X X

1.5.3.A Institute a stamp card/passport system that includes other California State Parks (CSP) units or other local history attractions.

$$ 2 X X X X


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1.5.3.B Create and distribute Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park (BMSHP) bumper stickers.

$$ 1 X X X P X X

1.5.3.C Hold local contests with in-centives for visitors e.g. raffles, trivia, poster design, referrals, etc.

$$ 2 X X P X

1.5.3.D Participate in local contests e.g. Chico News and Review (CNR) Best of Chico, etc.

$ 1 X

1.5.3.E Collaborate with Bidwell Mansion Association (BMA) to de-velop promotional items to be made available in the park store.

$$ 1 X X X

1.5.4.A Identify, create and use a list of effective locations for promotion outside the area.

$ 1 X X X

Goal 2 – Partnership: BMSHP will foster beneficial and collaborative relationships with organizations and with the community at large. 2.1: Support

2.1.1.A Establish regular commu-nication with the BMA in order to identify and propose future funding needs.*

$$ 1 X X X

2.1.1.B Explore joint special events with other interpretive providers. $$ 1 X X X

2.1.2.A Develop formal relationships with relevant personnel and depart-ments at Butte Community College (BCC) and California State University Chico (CSUC) in order to solicit volun-teers and interns.*

$$ 1 X X X X X X


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2.1.2.B Develop relationships with local historical societies e.g. Butte County Historical Society, Chico Heri-tage Association.

$$ 1 X X X

2.1.2.C Develop relationships with youth service organizations e.g. 4-H, Boy and Girl Scouts.

$$ 1 X X X

2.2: Collaboration 2.2.1.A Examine possibilities of col-laboration for joint school programs and summer programs.

$$ 1 X X P X

2.2.1.B Institute a stamp card/pass-port system that includes other CSP units or other local history attrac-tions. (Also a task under 1.5.3.A)

$$ 2 X X X

2.2.2.A Participate in meetings and collaborate with local community organizations such as Chico Area Mu-seum Association (CAMA), Outdoor Education For All (OEFA) and Chico Area Recreation District (CARD).*

$ 1 X X

2.2.2.B Network with CSUC staff on possible projects involving venues along Big Chico Creek.

$ 2 X X X X X

2.2.3.A Train volunteer circle mem-bers on Interpretive processes and Bidwell history.

$ 1 X X X

2.2.3.B Utilize the volunteer circle for events and food services. $ 1 X X X


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2.3: Media 2.3.1.A Hire and maintain a market-ing/outreach staff position.* $$ 1 X

2.3.2.A Conduct a special tour for media personnel to build relation-ships and encourage informed media coverage.

$$ 1 X X X

2.3.2.B Create and maintain a media index list.* $ 1 X X

2.3.2.C Utilize CSP Communications Office and California State Parks Foundation for marketing.

$ 1 X X X

2.3.3.A Create a yearly media mar-keting plan. $$ 1 X X X X

Goal 3 – Operations: BMSHP will put in place structures and procedures that will maintain readiness for interpretation at the park. 3.1: Staff

3.1.1.A Keep a log of training and orientation problems and sugges-tions in staff training manual to use to improve future staff training.

$$ 1 X

3.1.1.B Review all training and ori-entation materials yearly at a regular staff meeting and revise as neces-sary.

$$ 1 X

3.1.2.A Regularly utilize the RAP-PORT staff evaluation system. * $$ 1 X X

3.1.2.B Conduct quarterly peer shad-owing and feedback. $$ 1 X

3.1.2.C Encourage and schedule staff to use CSP self-evaluation form. $$ 1 X


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3.1.3.A Schedule and hold regular monthly staff meetings.* $$ 1 X X X

3.1.4.A Review equipment, training or other staff needs at monthly staff meetings.

$ 1 X X X

3.1.5.A Identify funding sources to cover training costs for non-CSP interpretive trainings.

$$ 1 X X P X

3.1.5.B Develop a system of locating and informing staff about upcoming CSP and non-CSP training opportuni-ties.

$$ 1 X X X X X

3.2: Volunteers 3.2.1.A Provide CSP training for vol-unteer coordinator. $$ 1 X X X

3.2.1.B Develop formal procedures for staff feedback relating to volun-teers.

$$ 1 X X

3.2.2.A Hold formal training and ori-entation for volunteers twice a year in fall and spring.

$$ 1 X X X X

3.2.3.A Use RAPPORT staff evalua-tion and self-evaluations for interpre-tive volunteers.

$$ 1 X X

3.2.4.A Create a formal system of monthly emails to volunteers of upcoming events, other activities or different roles and jobs needed.

$$ 1 X X

3.2.5.A Utilize CSUC and BCC work study programs for recruiting volun-teers.*

$$ 1 X X

3.2.5.B Use various media for volun-teer recruitment. e.g. craigslist $ 1 X X


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3.2.6.A Hold volunteer appreciation day or recognition event once a year.*

$ 1 X X X X

3.2.6.B Provide yearly park passes and other rewards for volunteer recognition.*

$$ 1 X X

3.2.6.C Ensure press coverage of volunteer achievements and recog-nition.

$$ 1 X X X

3.3: Collections 3.3.1.A Create a guide to the Artifact Storage Room available to staff on SharePoint.

$ 1 X

3.3.1.B Conduct regular staff reviews of objects for accuracy in interpreta-tion.*

$$ 1 X

3.3.2.A Coordinate with CSUC Special Collections for indexing photos and obtaining copies of other materials.

$$ 2 X X X

3.3.2.B Identify special off-site col-lections for potential loans during BMSHP special events.

$$ 2 X X X X

3.3.3.A Consult with local tribes for their ideas of collection use. $ 1 X X X X

3.3.3.B Examine viability and process for rotating Native American collec-tion pieces.

$$ 1 X X X X


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3.4: Facilities 3.4.1.A Review collection organiza-tion and displays for rearrangement and rotation after Prop. 84 Collection Assessment Project is completed.

$ 1 X X X X

3.4.2.A Reorganize “sewing room” for more effective storage, interpre-tation, and use during special events.

$ 1 X X X X

3.4.3.A Remodel the Visitor Center exhibit hall.* $ 1 X X X X X X X X

3.4.3.B Create and display Valley Sector pictures in the Visitor Center theater.

$ 1 X X X X

3.4.3.C Create descriptive labels for the pictures displayed in the Visitor Center theater.

$ 1 X X

3.4.3.D Create new exhibits for rotat-ing display case. Use Prop 84 Collec-tion Assessment Project to identify groups of objects.

$$ 1 X X X

3.4.3.E Incorporate new, smart, and interactive technology for use in interpretation.

$$ 3 X X X P X

3.4.4.A Provide all computers access to printers, primarily color printers for graphics work.

$ 1 X X X X

3.4.4.B Provide WIFI access in BMSHP. $ 2 X X X X

3.4.4.C Provide additional computer software for interpretive use e.g. Adobe Suite, Acrobat.

$ 1 X X X X

3.4.4.D Increase library resources. $$ 1 X X X X X X


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3.4.5.A Increase the number of bookcases and improve their place-ment and organization.*

$ 1 X X X

3.4.5.B Create an accurate index of li-brary collection and make it available to staff.

$ 1 X

3.4.5.C Establish an accountable system for checking out and tracking library resources.

$ 1 X

3.4.6.A Clean and organize costume room for easier access and costume maintenance.*

$$ 1 X X

3.4.6.B Reorganize Architect Cottage for better storage and utilization including costume storage.

$ 2 X X X X

3.4.6.C Organize interpretive closet for easier access and proper utiliza-tion.*

$ 1 X

3.4.6.D Make audio-visual (AV) room better organized and more efficient. $ 1 X X X

3.4.6.D Acquire additional storage containers for interpretation sup-plies.

$ 1 X X X

3.4.6.E Clarify the proper use of Ar-tifact Storage Room for interpretive objects and materials.

$ 2 X X

3.5: Research 3.5.1.A Maintain updated research institutions list.* $ 1 X

3.5.1.B Create and update a research topics list. $ 1 X

3.5.1.C Secure outside funding for trips or allocate in budget. $ 2 X X P X


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3.5.2.A Create an accessible index to letter and photo collections for interpretive use.*

$ 1 X X

3.5.2.B Create a research bibliogra-phy for interpretive use. $ 1 X X

3.5.2.C Obtain membership to data-bases, such as ancestry.com or JSTOR for research purposes.

$ 2 X X X X

3.5.3.A Review research findings in special trainings. $$ 1 X

3.5.3.B Publish research findings on social media such as website and Facebook page.*

$$ 1 X X

3.6: Information3.6.1.A Gather information and copies of material from other institu-tions.

$ 1 X

3.6.1.B Make copies of diaries avail-able to the community for research. $$ 1 X X

3.6.1.C Create materials that will aid in public research e.g. finding aids. $$ 2 X

3.6.1.D Create a catalog of research materials that is available online. $ 2 X

3.6.2.A Utilize monthly staff meet-ings for updates in research. $ 1 X

3.6.2.B Provide for field trips or oth-er educational activities. $$ 1 X X P X

3.6.3.A Use social media to advertise availability of BMSHP library. $$ 1 X X

3.6.3.B Network with county libraries to inform about resources in BMSHP library.

$ 2 X X


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3.6.3.C Network with CSUC and BCC to inform about resources in BMSHP library.

$ 2 X X

3.6.3.D Network with elementary, Jr. High and High School libraries to inform about resources in BMSHP library.

$ 2 X X

3.6.4.A Create a list of publications for possible article submissions. $ 1 X X

3.6.4.B Establish communications with media for guidelines and sup-port for staff submissions of articles.

$$ 1 X X

3.6.4.C Create research list of Bidwell history experts for collaboration on public presentations.

$ 1 X X

3.7: Revenue 3.7.1.A Contact other successful entities to gather helpful information about revenue generation.*

$$ 1 X X X X

3.7.1.B Network with CSUC Recre-ation, Business, and Communications departments for possible internships for events or other revenue generat-ing prospects.

$$ 1 X X X X

3.7.1.C Offer special tours for wed-ding parties or other celebratory events.

$$ 1 X X X

3.7.1.D Offer special tours or other interpretation where appropriate for other on-site events or meetings.

$$ 1 X X

3.7.2.A Use monthly emails to recruit volunteers to help at upcoming events and other activities to offset staff costs.

$$ 1 X X


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3.7.2.B Use Facebook and website to recruit more short-term volunteers. $$ 1 X X

3.7.3.A Work with supervisors to create and implement an income and expense tracking system for special events.*

$ 1 X

3.7.3.B Designate two staff members for Maximo training.* $ 1 X

3.7.3.C. Enter event information monthly into Maximo. $$ 1 X X

3.7.4.A Designate and maintain a dedicated staff member for revenue generation.*

$$ 1 X X X

3.7.4.B Create and maintain a com-prehensive media list.* $ 1 X X

3.7.4.C Create and maintain positive personal relationships with media representatives.*

$ 1 X X X

3.7.4.D Create in-house advertising materials e.g. flyers, inserts, bro-chures.*

$$ 1 X X

3.7.4.E Network with community groups for ideas and promotion of events.

$$ 1 X X

3.7.4.F Utilize social media e.g. Face-book and website. $$ 1 X X


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3.8: Administration 3.8.1.A Assign specific staff members for scheduling events, school and special tours.*

$$ 1 X X X

3.8.1.B Create instructions for sched-uling processes. $ 1 X X

3.8.1.C Create a shared Outlook calendar for events, special tours and school tours.*

$ 1 X X X

3.8.2.A Remove all outdated materi-als and resources. $ 1 X X

3.8.2.B Update and reorganize maps given to public. $ 1 X X

3.8.2.C Create a packet of general questions and answers. $ 1 X X

3.8.2.D. Update community phone numbers and addresses lists. $ 1 X X

3.8.3.A Create an administrative processes handbook e.g. for ROC’s, passes, deposits.

$$ 1 X

3.8.3.B Use regular staff meetings to disseminate updated or new infor-mation.

$ 1 X


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Goal 4 – Connection, Inspiration, and Stewardship – Interpretation will connect visitors to the park’s important cultural, natural, and recreational resources and will foster a sense of inspiration and stew-ardship. 4.1: Mansion Tours

4.1.1.A Use peer shadowing and RAPPORT evaluations to ensure focus of Primary Themes in tours.

$$ 1 X X X

4.1.1.B Periodically require staff to draft an outline of their tour and identify areas where theme or sub-themes are used.

$$ 1 X X

4.1.1.C Review Basic Interpretation Learning System (BILS) and other interpretive resources annually at a staff meeting.

$$ 1 X

4.2: Schools 4.2.1.A Designate a dedicated school program coordinator.* $ 1 X X

4.2.1.B Coordinate and collaborate with educators.* $ 1 X X

4.2.1.C Provide for relevant CSP staff training. $ 1 X X X

4.2.1.D Increase advertising to schools to increase overall number of groups visiting the BMSHP.*

$ 1 X X

4.2.2.A Coordinate and collaborate with educators for ideas and feed-back.

$$ 1 X X

4.2.2.B Contact teachers to develop pre/post trip packets and survey materials.*

$$ 1 X X X


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4.2.2.C Conduct a special tour for educators to acquaint them with BMSHP facilities and programs.

$ 1 X X X X

4.2.2.D Develop additional themed programs.* $ 1 X X X

4.2.2.E Develop programs for addi-tional age groups. $ 2 X X X

4.2.2.F Update programs to com-ply with Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core State Standards.*

$ 1 X X

4.2.2.G Research viability of design-ing and conducting a school assem-bly program.

$ 2 X X X

4.3: Diverse Groups4.3.1.A Utilize marquee to bring attention to statewide recognition of special groups e.g. Black History Month, Native American Heritage Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American Month.

$$ 1 X X

4.3.1.B Create and advertise special tours relating to selected cultural groups associated with the Bidwell Mansion.

$$ 1 X X X

4.3.1.C Increase communications and connections with local Native Ameri-cans to develop additional programs or information.*

$$ 1 X X


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4.4: Experience 4.4.1.A Incorporate new research information into existing tours and programs.*

$$ 1 X X

4.4.1.B Review and update Guide for Guides regularly.* $$ 1 X X

4.4.1.C Incorporate new information based on the Prop 84 Collections Assessment Project and the Historic Structures Report.

$ 1 X X X

4.4.2.A Take advantage of outside training opportunities. $$ 1 X X P X

4.4.2.B Associate with interpretive organizations and interpretive news-letters (e.g. National Association for Interpretation).

$$ 1 X

4.5: Agriculture4.5.1.A Create special tours and/or events that highlight Bidwell’s con-tributions to establishing the Sacra-mento Valley agriculture.

$$ 1 X X P X

4.5.1.B Research specific aspects of agricultural components of Rancho Chico for interpretation.

$ 1 X X

4.5.1.C Incorporate the importance of agriculture past and present into the new Visitor Center exhibits.

$ 1 X X X X

4.5.2.A Collaborate with Butte County Farm Bureau, Ag Council of the Chico Chamber of Commerce and local producers on programs and events.*

$ 1 X X X


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4.5.2.B Investigate opportunities to work with the CSUC College of Agriculture or the University Farm on programs or events.

$ 1 X X X

4.6: Response 4.6.1.A Set up a special table in Visitor Center providing information about opportunities to follow up.

$$ 1 X X X

4.6.1.B Create an email list for visi-tors to learn more about upcoming events, programs and BMSHP news.

$$ 1 X X

4.6.1.C Create materials with infor-mation regarding opportunities and upcoming events.

$$ 1 X X

4.6.1.D At end of tours, encourage visitors to tell others in order to in-crease visitation.*

$$ 1 X

Goal 5 – Expand and Diversify – BMSHP will offer a variety of interpretive opportu-nities for a diversity of audiences. 5.1: Audience

5.1.1.A Contact local community groups, organizations, living facilities, or group homes to provide infor-mation about tours and advertise special programs and events.

$ 1 X X

5.1.1.B Assess possibilities of re-duced fees or pricing breaks for non-profits who are bringing in group tours.

$ 1 X X X

5.1.1.C Provide staff training from outside experts on issues relating to special audiences e.g. Autism, De-mentia, etc.

$ 1 X X X X


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5.1.1.D Contact college clubs and or-ganizations to provide special tours, holiday celebration events, volunteer participation.

$ 1 X X

5.1.2.A Create a pre-trip question-naire for staff use when scheduling a special tour to assess special needs or staffing requirements.

$ 1 X X

5.2: Children

5.2.1.A Design and hold summer programs at the park. * $$ 1 X X X X

5.2.1.B Offer programs/tours for oth-er local summer program providers. $$ 1 X X P X

5.2.1.C Hold Jr. Ranger programs at park. * $$ 1 X X X X

5.2.2.A Create more interactive inter-pretive activities that can be incorpo-rated into children’s programs.*

$$ 1 X P

5.2.2.A Investigate and use new technologies. $ 1 X X X

5.2.3.A Investigate dioramas and hands-on types of interpretation. $ 1 X X X X X X

5.3: Special Interpretation5.3.1.A Gather and record public feedback for ideas. $$ 1 X X X

5.3.1.B Hold annual sessions to create new ideas and assess imple-mentation.

$$ 1 X X X X

5.3.2.A Research regular yearly community events through Chamber of Commerce or other community publications.

$$ 1 X X X


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5.3.2.B Create list of yearly commu-nity events and update regularly in Outlook calendar.

$$ 1 X X

5.3.3.A Contact museum studies program at CSUC. $$ 2 X X X X X X

5.3.3.B Research other traveling his-torical exhibits. $$ 2 X X X X P X

5.3.3.C Investigate use of space for traveling exhibits in Visitor Center exhibit redesign.

$ 1 X X X X X

5.3.4.A Provide roving interpretation daily. * $$ 1 X X P

5.3.4.B Create living history skits and outlines for special events.* $$ 1 X X X

5.4: Non-Personal 5.4.1.A Design interpretive materials for Carriage Shed and carriages. $ 1 X X X X X X X X

5.4.1.B Explore interpretive possibil-ities of south facing outside wall of Visitor Center.

$ 2 X X X X P X X

5.4.1.C Update the system of tree labels. $ 2 X X X P X X

5.4.1.D Design a self-guided walking tour of grounds. $ 1 X X X X P X X

5.4.1.E Incorporate QR codes and/or other mobile technology where appropriate.

$ 1 X X X X X


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5.5: Natural Resources 5.5.1.A Work with Project Wet, Proj-ect Wild and Project Learning Tree as potential partners.

$$ 2 X X P X

5.5.2.A Use natural creek side for children’s interpretation. * $ 1 X X X X

5.5.2.B Revise Guide of Guides and include more Natural Resources information.

$ 1 X X X

5.5.2.C Draft a Natural Resources specific tour. $ 1 X X

5.5.2.D Provide Natural Resources based Jr. Ranger programs.* $ 1 X X

5.6: Special Events 5.6.1.A Utilize marquee near entry to the Visitor Center for advertising.* $$ 1 X X X

5.6.1.B Use diary excerpts, maps or other historical documents where appropriate.

$ 1 X

5.6.2.A Make available short inter-pretation before an event staged at BMSHP e.g. bike races, running events.

$ 1 X X

5.6.2.B Offer special tours for wed-ding parties or other celebratory events.

$$ 1 X X X

5.6.3.C Offer special tours or other interpretation where appropriate for other on-site events or meetings.

$$ 1 X X


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5.7: Technology5.7.1.A Research new exhibit tech-nologies and ensure interactive dis-plays in new Visitor Center exhibits.

$ 1 X X X X X X

5.7.2.A Research various mobile applications used in museums and visitor centers.

$ 1 X X X X X

5.7.2.B Contact developers for infor-mation on designing mobile applica-tions.

$ 1 X

5.7.2.C Research possibilities of a virtual tour. $ 1 X X X X X

5.7.3.A Develop Geocaching sites on the BMSHP grounds that incorporate interpretive themes.

$ 2 X X X

5.7.3.B Design or purchase cache/coins with historical references. $$ 2 X X P X X

5.7.4.A Design interactive interpre-tive web activities. $$ 3 X P X X


Appendix A:

Selected BibliographyBenjamin, Marcus. John Bidwell, Pioneer: A Sketch of His Career. Washington, D.C., 1907.

Bidwell, Annie E.K. Personal Diary, 1888-1911

Bidwell, Annie E.K. Rancho Chico Indians. Dorothy Hill, ed. Chico, Ca.: Bidwell Mansion Cooperating Association, 1980.

Bidwell, John. Echoes of the Past. Reprint. Sacramento: California State Department of Parks and Recreation, 1987.

________. Personal Diary, 1864-1900.Butte County, California: Illustrations. Oakland, Ca.: Smith and Elliott, 1877.

Dixon, Roland B. The Northern Maidu. New York: AMS Press, 1982. Reprint: Originally published as volume 17, part 3 of the Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, 1905, New York.

Edmonson, Barbara T. “John Bidwell’s Fifty Years on Rancho del Arroyo Chico.” Ripples Along Chico Creek: Perspectives on People and Times. Chico, Ca.: Butte County Branch, National League of American Pen Women, 1992. Pp. 41-74.

Flynn, Ramona. “John Bidwell and Agriculture in Butte County in 1872.” Butte County Historical Society Diggin’s, 30 (Summer 1986): 38-48.

Gillis, Michael J. “The 1841 Trans-Sierra Route of the Bidwell-Bartleson Party.” Overland Journal, 16 (Winter 1998-99): 21-29.

________ . “John Bidwell: Gentleman Farmer or Iconoclast?” Butte County Historical Society Diggin’s, 36 (Summer 1992): 31-41.

________. “John Muir and the Bidwells: The Forgotten Friendship.” Dogtown Territorial Quarterly, 21 (Spring 1995): 4-5, 18-23, 26. Reprinted in John Muir Newsletter, 6 (Spring 1996): 1-6 and 7 (Summer 1997): 6-7.

Gillis, Michael J. and Michael F. Magliari. “John Bidwell and California.” Spokane, Wa.: Arthur H. Clark Company, 2004.

Gray, George M. “Reminiscences of the Life of General John Bidwell.” 47 parts, (Chico) Sandy Gulch News, 28 April 1938 to 22 June 1939.

Hill, Dorothy J. The Indians of Chico Rancheria. Chico, Ca.: Ka Ca Ma Press, 1978.

Hunt, Rockwell D. John Bidwell, Prince of California Pioneers. Caldwell, Id.: Caxton Printers, 1942.Johnson, Keith. In Search of John Bidwell’s Carriage House: Archaeological Investigations at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. Long Beach, Ca.: Trustees of the California State University, 1988.

Kroeber, Alfred L. Handbook of the Indians of California. Washington D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, Bureau of American Ethnology, 1925.

Levenson, Rosaline. “Bidwell’s Relationships with Minorities: The Altruistic-Pragmatic Mix.” Ripples Along Chico Creek: Perspectives on People and Times. Chico, Ca.: Butte County Branch, National League of American Pen Women, 1992. Pp. 13-38.


Mansfield,GeorgeC.History of Butte County, California. Los Angeles: Historical Record Company, 1918.

McDonald, Lois H. “The Bidwell Family.” Ripples Along Chico Creek: Perspectives on People and Times. Chico, Ca,: Butte County Branch, National League of American Pen Women, 1992. Pp. 175-188.

________. “Decade of Decision: John Bidwell’s First Ten Years in California.” Ripples Along Chico Creek: Perspectives on People and Times. Chico, Ca.: Butte County Branch, National League of American Pen Women, 1992. Pp. 13-28.

McGie, Joseph F. History of Butte County, 1840-1980. 2 vols. Oroville, Ca.: Butte County Board of Education, 1982.

Nunis, Doyce B., Jr., ed. The Bidwell-Bartleson Party: 1841 California Emigrant Adventure: The Documents and Memoirs of the Overland Pioneers. Santa Cruz, Ca.: Western Tanager Press, 1991.

Ottley, Allan R., ed. John Sutter’s Last Days/The Bidwell Letters. Sacramento: Sacramento Book Collectors’ Club, 1986.

Parry, C.C. “Rancho Chico.” Overland Monthly, II (June 1888): 561-576.

Rawlings, Linda, ed. Dear General: The Private Letters of Annie E. Kennedy and John Bidwell, 1866-1868. Sacramento: California Departments of Parks and Recreation, 1993.

Riddell, Francis A. “Maidu and Koncow.” Handbook of North American Indians. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, 1978.

Royce, Charles C. John Bidwell: Pioneer, Statesman, Philanthropist: A Biographical Sketch. Chico, Ca.: n.p., 1906.

Shover, Michele. “John Bidwell: A Reconsideration.” Ripples Along Chico Creek: Perspectives on People and Times. Chico: Butte County Branch, National League of American Pen Women, 1992. Pp. 105-121.

________. “John Bidwell: Reluctant Indian Fighter, 1852-1856.” Dogtown Territorial Quarterly, 36 (Winter 1998): 32-56.

Sutter, John. New Helvetia Diary: A Record of Events Kept by John A. Sutter and His Clerks at New Helvetia, California, From September 9, 1845 to May 25, 1848. San Francisco: Grabhorn Press, 1939.

Tubbesing, John. “Economics of the Bidwell Ranch, 1870-1875.” MA Thesis, CSUC, 1978.

Wells, Harry L. and W.L. Chambers. History of Butte County, California. San Francisco: Harry L. Wells, 1882.


Appendix B:California Academic Content Standards - History and Social Science Standards

Relevant Content Standard

Gold

Gadgets

Maidu

Tour

3.1 Students describe the physical and human geography and use maps, tables, graphs, photographs, and charts to organize information about people, places, and envi-ronments in a spatial context. 1. Identify geographical features in their lo-

cal region (e.g., deserts, mountains, val-leys, hills, coastal areas, oceans, lakes).

X X

2. Trace the ways in which people have used the resources of the local region and modifiedthephysicalenvironment(e.g.,a dam constructed upstream changed a river or coastline).

X X X

3.2 Students describe the American Indian nations in their local region long ago and in the recent past. 1. Describe national identities, religious

beliefs, customs, and various folklore traditions.

X

2. Discuss the ways in which physical geog-raphy,includingclimate,influencedhowthe local Indian nations adapted to their natural environment (e.g., how they ob-tained food, clothing, tools).

X

4. Discuss the interaction of new settlers with the already established Indians of the region.

X X



Gold

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Tour

3.3 Students draw from historical and com-munity resources to organize the sequence of local historical events and describe how each period of settlement left its mark on the land. 1. Research the explorers who visited here,

the newcomers who settled here, and the people who continue to come to the re-gion, including their cultural and religious traditions and contributions.

X X

2. Describe the economies established by settlersandtheirinfluenceonthepres-ent-day economy, with emphasis on the importance of private property and entre-preneurship.

X X

3. Trace why their community was estab-lished, how individuals and families con-tributed to its founding and development, and how the community has changed over time, drawing on maps, photographs, oral histories, letters, newspapers, and other primary sources.

X X

3.5 Students demonstrate basic economic reasoning skills and an understanding of the economy of the local region. 1. Describe the ways in which local pro-

ducers have used and are using natural resources, human resources, and capital resources to produce goods and services in the past and the present.

X X

2. Understand that some goods are made locally, some elsewhere in the United States, and some abroad.

X X



Gold

Gadgets

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4.1 Students demonstrate an understand-ing of the physical and human geographic features that define places and regions in California. 5. Use maps, charts, and pictures to de-

scribe how communities in California vary in land use, vegetation, wildlife, climate, population density, architecture, services, and transportation.

X

4.2 Students describe the social, politi-cal, cultural, and economic life and in-teractions among people of California from the pre-Columbian societies to the Spanish mission and Mexican rancho periods.1. Discuss the major nations of California

Indians, including their geographic distri-bution, economic activities, legends, and religious beliefs; and describe how they dependedon,adaptedto,andmodifiedthe physical environment by cultivation of land and use of sea resources.

X

5. Describe the daily lives of the people, native and nonnative, who occupied the presidios, missions, ranchos, and pueblos.

X

4.3 Students explain the economic, social, and political life in California from the establishment of the Bear Flag Republic through the Mexican-American War, the Gold Rush, and the granting of statehood. 2. Compare how and why people traveled

to California and the routes they traveled (e.g., James Beckwourth, John Bidwell, John C. Fremont, Pio Pico).

X X

3. Analyze the effects of the Gold Rush on settlements, daily life, politics, and the physical environment (e.g., using biogra-phies of John Sutter, Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, Louise Clapp).

X X



Gold

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Maidu

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4.4 Students explain how California became an agricultural and industrial power, tracing the transformation of the California econ-omy and its political and cultural develop-ment since the 1850s. 2. Explain how the Gold Rush transformed

the economy of California, including the types of products produced and con-sumed, changes in towns (e.g., Sacramen-to,SanFrancisco),andeconomicconflictsbetween diverse groups of people.

X

3. Discuss immigration and migration to California between 1850 and 1900, in-cluding the diverse composition of those who came; the countries of origin and theirrelativelocations;andconflictsandaccords among the diverse groups (e.g., the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act).

X

4. Describe rapid American immigration, internal migration, settlement, and the growth of towns and cities (e.g., Los Angeles).

X X

6. Describe the development and locations of new industries since the turn of the century, such as the aerospace industry, electronics industry, large-scale commer-cial agriculture and irrigation projects, the oil and automobile industries, com-munications and defense industries, and importanttradelinkswiththePacificBasin.

X

7. Trace the evolution of California’s water system into a network of dams, aque-ducts, and reservoirs.

X

8. Describe the history and development of California’s public education system, including universities and community colleges.

X


Appendix C:Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park

Scope of Collections Statement

Prepared by:

Raeann Bossarte

Park Interpreter I

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park

Revised July, 2013

STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION


Introduction

Historic Structures and Grounds

BidwellMansionStateHistoricParkislocatedonfiveacresofhistoricgroundsinthecityofChicoalong Big Chico Creek, county of Butte, and state of California. It consists of the Bidwell Mansion, a 12,000 square foot ltalianate mansion built between 1864-l868 and declared a National Historic LandmarkMay7,1966.AlsoonthepropertyisanArchitect’sHouse/Officebuiltinapproximately1865, a Carriage Shed rebuilt in 1987, and a Visitor Center built in 1992. This Scope of Collections Statement covers the entire unit.

Sources and persons consulted in preparation of this statement include: Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Interpretive Plan, 1974; Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Interpretive Prospectus, 1977; Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park General Plan, 1984; Bidwell Mansion Visitor Center Inter-pretive Plan, 1990; Bidwell Mansion Conservation Survey and Assessment Report by Conservator

Tamsen Fuller, 1999; Park Interpretive Specialist Blair Pubols; Supervising State Park Ranger Denise Rist; Museum Curator III, AHM Division, Paulette Hennum; Museum Curator I, AHM Division, Linda Walton.

Declaration of Purpose

The purpose of Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park is to honor General John Bidwell and his wife Annie Ellicott Kennedy Bidwell for their outstanding contributions to the social, cultural, and eco-nomic heritage of California by providing people of present and future generations the opportunity to tour the Bidwell home and surroundings while protecting, preserving and restoring this resource and interpreting its significance. From Park General Plan, 1984


Interpretive PeriodsInterpretive Periods for the Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park are designated as:

Primary Interpretive Period: 1841 to 1918

This represents the period from the year in which John Bidwell came to California through the primary life of Rancho del Arroyo Chico, and until Annie E.K. Bidwell’s death. Included in this period is the story of the Mechoopda Maidu Native American people and their relationship with the Rancho and Bidwells.

Additional Interpretive Periods: Pre-1830

This period represents the story of the Mechoopda Maidu Native American people as they lived in theChicoareabeforetheinfluxofEuro-Americans.

1868 to 1900

As stated in the 1984 General Plan, this interpretive period is for the mansion and the outbuildings.

Themes

GeneralJohnandAnnieE.K.Bidwellmadesignificantcontributionstothesocial,culturalandeco-nomic heritage of California.

The Mechoopda Indian people lived on the Rancho del Arroyo Chico and worked for the Bidwells.

TheBidwellMansionisconsideredoneofthefinestexamplesofpre-1870’sVictorianItalianateVillaarchitecture in Northern California.

History of the CollectionsUpon Annie Bidwell’s death in 1918, personal items and cash were dispersed to her heirs and the Mansion became the property of the Presbyterian Church. Title was deeded to the Presbyterian Church prior to her death with the condition of life tenancy. The church held the title until 1922. In 1923itwasacquiredbywhatwasthencalledChicoNormalSchool.Theschoolfirstusedthehouseas a dormitory before use as classrooms. On April 19, 1956 a group of Chico community members formed the Bidwell Mansion Restoration Association (BMRA) to aid in the preservation and resto-ration of the Mansion. The Association was the driving force behind the Mansion’s transfer to the Department of Beaches and Parks in 1964. An appeal was made for original and period artifacts to furnish the Mansion. The BMRA, Bidwell family members, local citizens and DPR provided the fur-nishings. In 1973, the Bidwell Mansion Cooperating Association was formed to support interpretation and education at the unit. In 1979, the Associations merged. Now called the Bidwell Mansion Associ-ation, this organization continues to be actively involved in funding restoration as well as interpre-tation and education. Today, approximately 25% of the collections are original to the Bidwells. Annie Bidwell’s great niece, Annie E. K. Anderson, donated original family items to the collection. The McConnell Foundation, based in Redding, California funded various projects. They are a philanthrop-ic organization in support of natural and cultural projects in and around Redding.

The majority of the collection is either on exhibit or stored inside the Mansion. Some pieces are on exhibit in the adjacent Carriage Shed and Visitor Center. Other objects are stored in the Artifact Storage Room.


Collection

Content SummaryThe primary collection consists of approximately 7,000 artifacts including original Bidwell pieces and period pieces. They are:

●Archivalmaterial

●Books

●Letters

●Maps

●Photographs

●OriginaldocumentsrelatedtotheBidwells.

●FiveCarriagesandaTankWagonaredisplayedinareproductioncarriageshed.

The Visitor Center is a fully accessible interpretive center with exhibits and a theater with video offerings. Visitor Center exhibits contain original and period pieces.

An artifact storage room contains:

●Photoarchives

●NativeAmericanbasketryandgrindingstones

●Householdfurnishings

●Textiles

●Variousassorteddecorativeitems

●Lettersanddocuments

●Maps

The26room1868ItalianatemansionhousesVictorianErafurnishings,theoriginalfireplaces,pe-riodlightingfixtures,andworksofart.Thereisalargetextilecollectionincludingquilts,historicclothing and decorative pieces. There is also an ethnographic collection of Asian and Native Ameri-can artifacts including Asian vases and screens and Native American basketry. Other objects include originalBidwellobjects,anoriginalcarbidegasgenerator,NativeAmericangrindingandflakedstonetools,farmimplements,books,naturalhistoryspecimens,firearms,andmiscellaneoushistor-ic tools. The Mansion itself is in good condition and the surrounding grounds consist of some original flora.

The Bidwell Mansion museum collection is primarily used for the house museum exhibits and re-search purposes. Additionally, there are reproduction clothes and props for living history programs and hands-on interpretive objects for school programs. It is appropriate to emphasize the charge to our staff of stewardship of the museum collection. Per Department Operations Manual (DOM), 2010.10.4:

The appropriateness of the use of a museum object is not determined by tradition at the


park unit, or solely by the wishes of the donor or lender, but through careful research and thought-ful consideration... DPR staff may not knowingly participate in the inappropriate use of a museum object. In no case will an object from the museum collections be designated for regular hands-on use when:

1. The object is an artifact original to the site, person or event interpreted at the park.

2. It is a significant example of its kind or type.

3. It is rare or irreplaceable.

4. Its use is objectionable to the cultural group, which it represents.

5. Its use violates a law,

6. Its use violates an environmental or professional ethic.

Relationships with Other EntitiesThe Bidwell Mansion relates to other house museums dedicated to the primary interpretive peri-ods and themes within this Scope of Collections Statement. The Bancroft Library, California State University, Chico, California State Archives and State Library have original Bidwell documents. The State Indian Museum also has Maidu basketry. Because of the historic relationship between John Bidwell and John Sutter, collection items from Bidwell Mansion SHP and Sutter’s Fort SHP may be of mutual interest and some Bidwell objects on exhibit are loaned to the Mansion from Sutter’s Fort SHP. Outside institutions periodically request collection items for loan.

Collection Development GoalsThe museum collection at Bidwell Mansion should consist of objects that enhance and inform the public of the primary and secondary themes of the historic park as outlined in the General Plan, the Interpretive Prospectus and the Interpretive Plans.

Ensuring appropriateness to the unit, new acquisitions to the Bidwell Mansion artifact collection will be considered when the objects are related to the following interpretive topics:

●OriginalBidwellitems

●TheKonkow/Maidu-TheBidwellshadacloserelationshipwiththelocalNativeAmericans.

●VictorianItalianatearchitecture-TheMansionisaprimeexampleofthisarchitecturalstyle.

●CaliforniaRanchoperiod-JohnBidwellwasaprominentfigureinlateMexicanperiodCaliforniaand during the transition to the United States.

●Thewomen’srightsmovement-Mrs.Bidwellwasactiveinthismovement.

●Theprohibitionmovement-TheBidwell’ssupportedtheidealsoftheprohibitionmovement.Johnran for President on the Prohibition Party ticket in 1892.

●Earlygoldmining-JohnBidwellhadasuccessfulgoldstrikeontheFeatherRiver.

●EarlyCaliforniaagriculture- John Bidwell was a primary champion of early California agriculture and Rancho Chico became internationally recognized for its productivity and innovations.

●Victorianlifestyles-TheBidwellslivedduringmuchofthistimeperiod.

●Carriageimplements-AsreflectedintheCarriageShed.


●Earlywestwardmovement- John Bidwell was a member and leader of the Bidwell-Bartelson party, whichwasthefirstorganizedgroupofAmericansettlerstocrossdirectlyoverlandintoCaliforniaand helped open up California to American immigration.

●TheChineseinChico-JohnBidwellhadacloseworkingrelationshipwiththelocalChinesepopula-tion.

●Earlynaturalhistorymovement-TheBidwellswerecontemporariesofJohnMuirandAsaGray.They were passionate about the protection of the natural environment as evidenced by their writ-ings and gifts such as Bidwell Park.

●Politicsfrom1841-1900-JohnBidwellwaspoliticallyactivethroughouthisentiretimeinCalifor-nia.

Architectural elements and other materials original to the site or used in its historic structures will be preserved, when possible, to document history of the park and its historic structures.

Collection Management Goals

Artifacts●Digitizationoftranscriptionofwrittenmaterials(letters,etc.).

●Completephotographicinventoryofcollection.

●UtilizingtheStatewideTMSprogram,continuecatalogingallartifactsonsite.

●Restoreandregularlyserviceallclocks.

●Ongoingconservationandpreservationofantiquefurnishings.

●Periodicrotationofdisplayedartifacts(bothinvisitor’scenterandinhouse).

●Assessmentoftextilecollectionbyacertifiedtextileconservator.

●Hireacollectionconservatortoprovidesecondarysecurityforwallpaintings.

●InstallfireproofsecuritycabinetsinartifactroomforstorageofNativeAmericanBasketsandphotographic archives.

●Improveobject-packagingsystemandinstallfireresistantcabinetsfor

historic maps.

●ReplaceoriginalBidwellartifactsinVisitorCenterwithreproductionobjects.



●Establishamethodforspecialpublicdisplaysofcollectionmaterials.

●BuildaNativeAmericanBasketcaseintheVisitorCenterforbasketstorage.

●InstallUVfiltersonlightsandglassinVisitorCenterexhibitcases.


●InstallmotionsensorlightsinVisitorCenter.

●AssessandfollowallCAPPGrantrecommendations.

●Labelallitemsinmuseumdisplaycases.

●Makeashadowimageofphotosintheateridentifyingcontent.

●ConserveJohnBidwellportraitpaintedbyA.M.Reading.

●ImproveinterpretiveexhibitsinsideCarriageShed.

Structural Goals

●RestoreServant’sQuartersandServant’sBalcony.

●RepaintinteriorroomsfrompaintanalysisbyCarey&Company,2001

●Installceilingmedallionsinthediningroomandoffice.

●LongtermenvironmentalmonitoringoftemperatureandhumidityatBidwellMansion,VisitorCenter, and Architect’s House, using Data Loggers, and Light Meters to assess the foot-candles on artifacts, mapping hot spots.

●ReplaceUltravioletfiltersonalltheMansionwindows.

●ImproveexteriorlightingaroundMansionandVisitorCenter.

●Analyzestresson40-year-oldelectricalsystemandmakeupgrades.

●Upgradethecurrentsecuritysystem.

●HistoricStructuresReportfortheMansionandArchitect’shouse.

●Createacontrolledenvironmentforthethirdfloorclothingstorage.

●Eliminateofficeuseinhistoriczone.

●Reinforceandre-paintbrickchimneysandbasementofArchitect’sHouse.

●RestoreArchitect’sHouseto1870’speriodfortourinclusion.

●Photographicrecordsonbuildingsandgroundsannually.

●Completeseismicstudyreportrecommendations.


Appendix D:

Visitor Survey Summary

Visitor Survey Comments Summary

Survey comments were overall positive regarding the historical interpretation provided during the BMSHP guided tours. Suggestions for improvement leaned toward interactive displays for children and youth. Re-quests also included offering specialty tours, such as focusing on holidays, horticulture, structural com-ponents of the mansion or the Mechoopda. Comments requesting tower access were conveyed, as well.

Regardless of prior knowledge, most survey commenters communicated an increased interest in the Bidwells because of their experience at BMSHP. Appreciation of the knowledgeable staff was frequently conveyed.

The following are a few excerpts from the surveys:

22) Has your level of knowledge about John and Annie Bidwell changed because of your visit? What aspects of your visit contributed most to that learning/change?

My knowledge has increased. It feels more personal. I am intrigued by the day to day lives of people in history.

Yes, the guide provided a great and informative tour. Learning about the suffragette activity and temper-ance movement was of great interest.

Yes, reading inside the visitor center.

Yes, guided tour explanations.

Yes, learned a lot and appreciated all the information provided.

It was a great refresher course. Just hearing the stories and seeing how it was for them.

I found it very interesting about the agriculture and the very different obstacles that never stopped them and also the history of both John and Annie.

Good to see their lasting impact on building Chico.

Yes, it’s been improved. Loved the tour and I really appreciated my questions being answered.

I have grown to appreciate their contribution to California history.

Yes, I want to read about their accomplishments.

Greatly increased.

Discovering how worldly he was.

23) Do you have any suggestions about ways we can help you to better understand the history/lega-cy of John and Annie Bidwell?

Maybe more context to how progressive they were for the times.


Post some quotes from their journals and love letters.

Information about original pieces in the house.

Wish we could have spent more time on the 2nd and 3rdfloors.

Information on Native American presence. Trees – why so many and large?

DVD about them offered for sale.

Less emphasis on objects and more on historical and geo-economic context.

More stories about them.

Better background on John, where he came from, sources of wealth, political import. Likewise Annie.

24) What were your general opinions of your visit today?

Great. I’m surprised at how awesome the tour is.

Fantastic.

Great tour, very informative.

It was great. My child and her friend really learned a lot and it got them interested in not only Chi-co, but California.

Loved all of it but it goes a little too fast (tour).

Well done, very engaging guide.

Very enjoyable and informative.

Great learning experience. Very friendly staff.

Your staff was excellent and helpful.

25) Based on your visit to the park, are there any other activities or programs you would like to see available at the park, but aren’t currently available?

Evening tours to see the house lit up. Living history exhibits. Baking, sewing, butter making.

Tower tours.

Gold panning and gold mining

Themed carnivals or social events related to the Bidwells.

Living history, speakers, and various events.

Video about the Bidwells.

Put on a short play for children.

Kids events at the Mansion.

More information about the remarkable trees.

More information if available on location, extent & character of historic gardens and stables.


Carriage ride.

26) Are there additional amenities you would like to have in this state park beyond what is cur-rently offered?

Add bike racks.

Smashed penny machine depicting the Bidwells.

Benches for disabled in front of the house.

Water for sale.

27) Do you have any other comments you would like to share with us about this park?

The house and the grounds are incredible.

Thanks for the hard work to keep history alive and accessible.

The guide was wonderful and knowledgeable.

Glad to see the grounds and buildings are being preserved.

Lovely home, thank you for refurbishing it so nicely.

I appreciated John and Annie’s kindness to people especially the Mechoopda.

The mansion was in excellent condition. Nice job on keeping things updated.

Very impressed.

We now know more about their personal lives.


Visitor Survey Tables

Visitor Age BMSHP How Heard About BMSHP BMSHP

Under 18 10% Family/friendrecommenda-tion

35%

18-34 14% Grewup/livedhere 20%

35-54 18% Chance 14%

55-74 54% StateParkWebsite/internet 8%

Over 74 4% Magazine 4%

Don’t know 4%

Cal State U, Chico 4%

Visitor Activity BMSHP Tourbook/map 3%

Took guided tour 88% Live nearby 3%

VC/groundsonly 12% TV/radio 2%

Newspaper 1%

City of Chico 1%

Class project 1%

Other Activities BMSHP Transportation to BMSHPExhibits 31% Automobile 88%

Relaxed outside 26% Bicycle 4%

Took photos 22% On foot 2%

Nature walk 18%

Gift shop 14%

History video 10% Visitor Itinerary BMSHP

Picnic 2% Primary stop 29%

One of many stops 71%

No. in Group BMSHP Visitor Gender BMSHP

1-2 46% Female 69%

3-5 47% Male 29%

6-9 1% Not given 2%

10 or more 4%

Not given 2% Visitor Annual Income BMSHP

$0-49,999 11%

$50,000-99,999 18%

Visited BMSHP before? $100,000-149,999 1%

No 72% $150,000-199,999 0

Yes 27% $200,000 or more 4%

n/a 1% Not given 55%


Visitor Ethnicity BMSHP Highest Education Complet-ed

BMSHP

American Indian 3% Elementary School 1%

Asian 3% Middle School 4%

Black 2% High School 20%

Hispanic 6% College Undergrad 38%

White 77% College 2%

Other 6% Grad School 31%

Decline to state 3% Post Grad 1%

Vocational School 1%

Not given 2%

Visitors Origins English LanguageLocal-Butte County 27% Native 73%

California 53% Fluent 26%

United States 18% Some 1%

Foreign 2%


Appendix E:

Historic-Era Ornamental PlantingsThefollowinglistisamodificationofalistofornamentalvegetationplantedbyJohnBidwellasreported in the book: John Bidwell Prince of California Pioneers, by Rockwell D. Hunt (The Caxton Printers,Ltd.;Caldwell,Idaho,1942).ManyscientificandcommonnameshavechangedsincethetimeofJohnBidwell.Thislistusesmodernnames.Referencesusedinthemodificationoftheorigi-nal list are shown at the end of this appendix.

[]=Oldname;*=HistoricLandscapeReport;**=NativeSpecies

Scientific Name Common Name

Abutilon spp. floweringmapleAcaciadecurrentsvar.mollis[A.mollismima] black wattle acacia Acacia melanoxylon blackwood acaciaAcer macrophyllum bigleaf mapleAgave Americana century plantAncubajaponica[Aucubajaponica] [Japaneselaurel]Araucaria(speciesunknown)[A.araucana] monkey puzzle tree*Aristolochia spp. birthwortArtemisiaspp.[A.fragrans] sagebrushArundo donax variegata giant reedBerberis Canadensis Allegheneybarbarry[Americanbarbarry]Betula pendula birch*Buxus (species unknown) boxwood*Caesalpinia gilliesii bird of paradise bush*Callistemonlanceolatus[Metrosiderossemper-florens]

bottle-brush

Camellia japonica camelliaCampsisgrandiflora[Bignoniagrandiflora] Chinese trumpet creeperCanna indica Indian shotCalocedrus decurrens incense cedar*Catalpabignonioides[C.syringafolia] commonIndianbean[commoncatalpa]Ceanothusdentatus[C.detatus] ceanothusCeanothusspp.[C.alba] ceanothusCedrus deodara deodar cedar*Ceratostigmaplumbaginoides[Plumbagolar-penta]

plumbago

Cestrumpurpureum[C.elegans*] cestrumChamaecyparis lawsoniana** Lawsoncypress[PortOrfordcedar]Chamaecyparisobtusa[Retinosporaobtuse] Japanesecypress[Hinokifalsecypress]Chrysanthemum (species unknown) chrysanthemum*Cistusladaniferus[Cistusladanifera] rock roseCordylineaustralis[Draceenaaustralis] dracena



Coronillaglauca[Coronellaglauca] VetchCortaderiaselloana[Gyneriumargenteum] pampas grassCryptomeria japonica cryptomeriaCupressus macnabiana MacNab cypressCupressus macrocarpa Monterey cypressCupressussempervirens[C.pyramidalis] Italian cypressDaphneodora[D.odorata] daphneDeutziagracilis[D.gracillis] deutziaDeutziassp.[floraplena?] deutziaDiospyroslotus[D.japonica] Japanese persimmonDiospyros virginiana persimmonDracaena (species unknown) dracaena palm*EloeagnusJaponica[Elaeagnusangustifolia] [Russianolive]Erianthus ravennae ravenna grassErica mediterranea HeathEscallonia rosea EscalloniaEschscholzia californica California poppy*Eucalyptus globulus blue gumEuonymusjaponicus[Euonymusjaponica*] spindletree[evergreeneuonymus*]Fabiana imbricate fabianaForsythia viridissima golden bellsGinkgo biloba ginkgoGrevillea robusta silk oakHedera (species unknown) ivy*Hibiscus[H.alba] rose mallowHibiscussyriacus[Altheafrutex] rose of SharonHyacinthus (species unknown) hyacinth*Hydrangeamacrophylla[H.hortensia] hydrangeaHypericumcalycinum[Hyperieumgrandiflora] St. John’s wortIlex cornuta Chineseholly[shrub]*Jasminumoffiniale poet’s jasmineJasminumhumile[J.hibernica] jasmineJuglans nigra eastern black walnut*Juniperus communis common juniperKerria japonica kerriaKniphofiauvaria[Tritomauvaria] torch lilyKoelreuteria paniculata goldenrain treeLaburnumspp.[spicata?] laburnumLagerstroemia indica rubra crepe myrtleLathyrus latifolius everlasting peaLaurusspp.[L.cerasus] English laurel



Lavatera arborea tree mallowLavandulaofficinalis[L.spicata] lavenderLigustrumsinense[L.sinensis] privetLippiacitriodora[Aloysiacitrudora] lemon verbenaLiquidambarstyraciflua sweet gum*Liriodendron tulipifera tulip treeLivistonaaustralis[CorydhaAustralia] palmLonicera spp. (3 varieties) honeysuckleMagnoliagrandiflora southern magnoliaMagnoliaspp.[M.sonspicua] magnoliaMahonia aquifolium barberryMalvaviscusspp.[Achaniamalvaviscus] malviviscusMelaleucaspp.[hybridifolia] bottle-brushMiscanthussinensis[Eulaliajaponicazebrine] eulalia[eulaliagrass*]Myrtus spp. (2 varieties) myrtleNarcissus jonquilla jonquils*Nemophila (species unknown) baby blue eyes*Nerium oleander oleander*Panlowniaimperaus[Paulowniaimperialis] [princesstree]Parthenocissustricuspidatavar.veitchii[Am-pelopsisvetchii]

Japanese or Boston ivy

Pelargonium geranium*Penstemonbarbatus[Chelonebarbata] beard-toungePhiladelphus spp. mock orangePhoenix canariensis Canary Island date palm*Phormium tenax NewZealandflaxPinus sabiniana (and other varieties) gray pine*Pittosporum spp. pittosporumPlumbago capensis leadwortPoinciana gilliesii ponicanaPopulus Canadensis Carolinapopular[Carolinapoplar*]Populus nigra var. italic Lombardypopular[Lombardypoplar*]Prunus lyonii hollyleaf cherry*Pseudotsuga taxifolia Douglasfir*Punica granatum pomegranatePyrostegiaignea[Bignoniavenustum] bignonia[flamevine*]Quercus species oak*Robinia pseudoacacia black locust Rosa[GoldofOphir] rose*Salix babylonica weeping willow Schinus molle pepper tree



Sequoiadendrongiganteum[Sequoiagigante-an]

Sierra redwood or giant sequoia

Solanum jasminoides nightshadeSollya heterophylla Australianblubellcreeper[Australianbluebell

creeper*]Spiraea spp. spireaSyringa rubra red lilacTamarix africana tamariskThuja spp. (2 varieties) arborvitae[arborvitae*]Trachycarpusfortunei[Chamaeropsexcels] windmill palmUlmus Americana American elmUlmus procera English elmViburnumtinus[Laurestinus] laurestinusBincamajor[Vincamajor] vincaViola (species unknown) violet*Washingtoniafilifera[Washingtoniafilifera*] CaliforniaWashingtonpalm[Californiafan

palm*]Wigeliarosea[Weigelarosea] [Weigela]YuccafiIamentosa Adams-needle[Yucca*]Yucca gloriosa Spanish daggerZantedeschia (species unknown) calla lilies*

Plants listed by Hunt for which the modern name could not be determined:

Bambusa (Bamboo, 2 varieties)

References

Anonymous

1971 Sunset Western Garden Book. Lane Magazine and Book Company, Menlo Park, California.

Bailey and Bailey

1959 Hortus Second. McMillan Company, New York, NY

Calflora:InformationonCaliforniaplantsforeducation,researchandconservation,basedondatacontributed by dozens of public and private institutions and individuals, including the Con-sortiumofCalif.Herbaria.[webapplication].2013.Berkeley,California:TheCalfloraData-base[anon-profitorganization].Available:http://www.calflora.org/

Little, Elbert L., Jr.

1953 Check List of the Native and Naturalized Trees of the United States. Forest Service Agri-culture Handbook No. 41.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service plants database. http://plants.usda.gov/java

http://plants.usda.gov/java


Farm and Garden Products

Wheat

Barley

Rye

Oats

Indian Corn

Potatoes

Beans

Chinese Sugar Cane

Egyptian Corn

Peas

Lentils

Artichokes

Jerusalem Artichokes

Beets

Cabbage

Imphee

Broom Corn

Orchard Trees

Pomegranates

Mulberry

Olives

Oranges

Lemons

Almonds

Chestnuts

Pecans

Butternuts

English Walnuts

Eastern Black Walnuts

California Black Walnut

English Filbert

Apples

Crab Apples

Pears

Plums

Prunes

Peaches

Apricots

Nectarines

Quinces

Figs

Olives

Loquat

Appendix F:

Historic-Era Agricultural Plantings


Grapes

Muscat of Alexandria

Seedless Sultan

White Malaga

Flame Tokay

Rose of Peru

Small Fruits

Blackberries

Currants

Gooseberries

Raspberries

Stawberries

Bidwell Mansion state Historic Park interPretation Master Plan124

Appendix G:

Tree Inventory, 1982

(Note: The 1982 inventory is not updated to include current inventory)

[]=Modernname;*=HistoricLandscapeReportpg10-12;**=NativeSpecies;^=HistoricEraSpecies

ScientificName Common NameAcer palmatum Japanese maple A. platanoides Norway mapleA. saccharinum silver mapleAlbizzia julibrissin silk treeAlnus rubra** red alderAraucaria imbricate monkey puzzle tree Arbutus unedo strawberry tree Carya pecan pecan Catalpa speciosa northern cataIpa Cedrus deodara deodar cedarCitrusspp.^ orangeCupressussempervirens^ Italian cypress Diospyros virginiana common persimmon Erythrina spp. Brazilian coral tree Ginkgobiloba^ ginkgoJuglans hindsii** northern California black walnutLagerstroemiaindica^ crepe myrtIeLibocedrus decurrens** incense cedarLiriodendrontulipfera^ tulip treeLiquidamberstyraciflua amber sweetgumMagnolia denudata yulan magnolia M.grandiflora^ southern magnolia Morus alba fruitless mulberry Nerium oleander common oleander Phoenix canariensis Canary Island date palm Photinia serrulata Chinese photiniaPinus halepensis aleppo pine

Bidwell Mansion state Historic Park interPretation Master Plan 125

P. ponderosa** ponderosa pineP. sabiniana** gray pinePsidium spp. pineapple guava Pistacia chinensis Chinese pistache Pittosporumtobira^ Japanese pittosporum Platanus racemosa** western sycamorePrunusamygdalus^ Bidwell mamouth almond P. domestica domestic plumP. spp. cosmetic plumPseudotsuga menziesii DouglasfirQuercus alba white oakQ. laevis Turkey oakQ. lobata** Valley oakSequoiadendron giganteum** Sierra redwood or giant sequoiaSequoia sempervirens** coast redwoodTrachycarpus fortuneii windmill palmUlma Americana American elmWashingtoniafilifera^ California Washington palm